Religious social and pastoral thought and activity Books

Book SynopsisIt is often claimed that local churches provide a significant proportion of social care today. This important new study considers the reality of the church's involvement to offer compelling and concrete recommendations for the future. It proposes a transformational model of welfare that breaks free from the default approach of ‘eradicating the five giant evils – squalor, ignorance, want, idleness, and disease’. Instead the authors focus on fostering five assets – relationship, creativity, partnership, compassion, and joy – and empowering people to regain control of their lives. With bold and innovative practical recommendations for churches, civil society and public policy, and compelling theological reflection on welfare and poverty, this is essential reading for anyone interested in the church's contribution to society.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTears are a common experience we rarely discuss, and then only in relation to pain and loss. David Runcorn draws upon a long Christian tradition of seeing tears as a gift to explore their deeper meaning and purpose, their place in human life and their significance for prayer and spirituality. In the early centuries of the church tears were regarded as an extension of baptism or a gift of the Spirit. They were integral to prayer and a vital part of human integration and maturing. Jesus said that those who mourn were 'blessed'. The Language of Tears explores how tears are a natural and important way of processing loss, uncertainty and anxiety, drawing upon theology, scripture, psychology and biology. This accessible and sensitive guide is for all engaged in spiritual direction, counselling or pastoral care.Trade ReviewA rich, moving, thought-provoking treasure of a book. Read this and you'll never utter the words 'don't cry' again. -- Paula Gooder'I know that I shall be buying multiple copies... Runcorn has written a book that gives us permission to weep. To weep and to sing, and to dance.' -- Fr Richard Peers'Slim and easily readable, this book has an enormous depth.' -- The Living Church

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisBringing together original work from some of the world's leading specialists in the field, this new volume offers wide-ranging and enlightening new perspectives on the role of love, sex and gender in a variety of different faiths. Among the issues covered are gender politics, sexual symbolism and religious ecstasy, and their role in religions as diverse as Christianity and Tibetan Buddhism. Featuring essays by such distinguished thinkers as Arvind Sharma, Karen Lebacqz, Julius Lipner, Karen Jo Torjesen and Carter Heyward, this new collection combines classic sources of text and tradition with innovative ideas and modes of thought, creating a detailed but accessible study. This clear and concise book will challenge the reader to think creatively about both past and present concepts of sexuality, relationships and the role of women in the world faiths. It should be of interest to students, scholars and the interested general reader alike.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis wide-ranging collection of prayers, readings and alternative service outlines provides a complete liturgical and pastoral resource for a time when intensive personal support is needed. Here are forms of words for every stage in the process that follows a death, from the immediate aftermath to conducting a memorial service. Simple prayers and a choice of readings from scripture, poetry, literature and popular culture provide words when our own vocabularies fail. Aimed at clergy of all denominations, readers and others who are authorised to conduct funerals, pastoral and care professionals and theological students, this is a resource for the funerals of children, parents, death after an accident or in hospital, the death of someone with Alzheimer's and many more. The prayers and blessings include those for when someone has just died, for before a funeral and returning home afterwards whilst the book also contains complete funeral and memorial service outlines.Trade Review'In Sure and Certain Hope shows Paul P.J.Sheppy as a minister with a real understanding of the needs of the vereaved. (...) His comment on the importance of preaching at funerals shows where his heart is: 'If we do not offer Christ's answer to the questioner, in what sense has the funeral been a Christian one?' -- Trevor Lloyd * Praxis News of Worship *

Read more less

Book SynopsisTend My Flock is a companion and guide for ordained and lay ministers seeking to live their pastoral ministry well, amid all the complexities and pressures of contemporary society. Much pastoral care is exercised with integrity and sensitivity and yet there are many potential hazards. "Tend My Flock" addresses issues which often remain unspoken, inviting dialogue, reflection, honest self-examination and the courage to share struggles and dilemmas with colleagues, friends in ministry and family members. It offers practical, tried and tested guidance in key areas including: confidentiality and trust; power, authority and vulnerability; setting and maintaining boundaries; safeguarding health and well-being; maintaining positive personal relationships; and, transition, loss and bereavement.Trade Review"This book will be a vital resource for anyone engaged in pastoral care of for counsellors working with people in pastoral care roles, whether as therapists or, increasingly, in pastoral supervision. (...) Kate Lichtfield, as Counsellor to the Diocese of Norwich, is ideally placed to undertake this task and brings to it her experience with many clergy, lay ministers and their families. (...) The book addresses almost every key area for good pastoral care and where things go wrong in ministry -often with dreadful consequences for all concerned. Lichtfield is profoundly realistic about the processes that lead to broken boundaries, abuses of power and consequent disaster. (...) There is much wisdom in this book and many fruitful questions, whether for those new to ministry or seasoned by years of experience. I will be recommending it strongly to colleagues, supervisees and continuing to draw on it myself." -- Chris Jenkins'Although all readers at some point in their ministry are likely to be engaged to a greater or lesser degree in pastoral care, this book is intended for those, chiefly clergy, for whom a pastoral ministry is an integral part of their work. It is full of wise and practical insights into the complexities and pressure of pastoral care, covering such issues as confidentiality and trust, loss and bereavement, authority and vulnerability. It centres especially on the stress upon those exercising this ministry and would be valuable to all those apt to overlook the emotional strain placed upon our ordained colleagues. Beginning life as a booklet offering practical advice for local clergy, it has been developed into what amounts to a textbook of good practice which would be valuabe reference for sharing in a ministry team.' -- Robert Bevan * The Reader *

Read more less

Book SynopsisAt some point, everyone will experience bereavement. Even when a death is expected, it can be a bewildering and disorientating time and its intensity increases if a death is sudden or if there are tragic circumstances. The word 'quarantine' derives from an ancient Italian practice of giving newly bereaved people extra special attention and care during the first forty days following a death. Here is contemporary reworking of that idea - readings and reflections for forty days cover a wide range of commonly felt emotions and reactions, and offer support and understanding. A shorter second section gives readings for special days - birthdays, anniversary etc and a third section offers a selection of brief prayers.

Read more less

Book SynopsisBased upon conversations recorded by a French journalist, this book mixes autobiographical reflections with a critique of the contemporary state of the Middle East. It tells the stories of many individuals working for peace and of his own work, especially with children and students of the school and college he has founded. Fr Elias Chacour, author of the bestselling books Blood Brothers and We Belong to the Land, is the Archbishop of Galilee. Seeing the lack of educational opportunities for Palestinian youth, he created a school open to all local children which opened in the early 1980s. The Mar Elias Educational Institution and now caters for 4,500 students, representing all major religions and ethnicities in Israel.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe bestselling author and prominent New Testament scholar draws parallels between 1stcentury Roman Empire and 21stcentury United States, showing how the radical messages of Jesus and Paul can lead us to peace today Using the tools of expert biblical scholarship and a keen eye for current events, bestselling author John Dominic Crossan deftly presents the tensions exhibited in the Bible between political power and God's justice. Through the revolutionary messages of Jesus and Paul, Crossan reveals what the Bible has to say about land and economy, violence and retribution, justice and peace, and ultimately, redemption. He examines the meaning of “kingdom of God” prophesized by Jesus, and the equality recommended to Paul by his churches, contrasting these messages of peace against the misinterpreted apocalyptic vision from the book of Revelations, that has been co-opted by modern right-wing theologians and televangelists to justify the United State's military actions

Read more less

Book SynopsisNow Includes a Survey of the Popes'' Statements on Building a Civilization of LoveCarl Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, surveys the history-changing ideas of Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, and brings a message of inclusion and hope in the midst of a battle between the culture of death and the culture of life, providing a road map to help Christians understand their role in the world.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA White pastor and a Black pastor, close friends who have each built racially diverse congregations, offer a model Christians can follow to open necessary conversations about race, encourage unity, and foster mutual respect to heal a wounded nation riven by racial tension and political tribalism.For years, Pastors John Siebeling and Wayne Francis have led thriving congregations that are the embodiment of diversity; Siebeling in Memphis and Francis in New York City. Many churches and leaders have sought their counsel, hoping to emulate their success. At the height of the Black Lives Matter protests in Summer 2020, they pooled their insights and experiences to help others facilitate conversations about racism. The guide they developed is the basis of God and Race. Siebeling and Francis examine the White-Black tension from both perspectives and answer all the uncomfortable questions we’re afraid to ask—regarding ourselves, our families, our work and relationships, and the church. Most important, they provide practical steps anyone can take to become part of the solution. Whether you are a church leader or just a caring person who wants to make a difference, God and Race provides inspiration and guidance to help you become an agent of reconciliation and change. These two wise pastors teach you how to find your voice and join Jesus in healing, to help bring our divided communities together with open minds, open hearts, and open hands.Many Christian books on race either do not ask the hard questions or, if they do, speak as critics outside the mainstream church. Siebeling and Francis probe the meaning of racial reconciliation and reveal how the church can be a positive and effective leader to move us forward, beyond hate and injustice, to equality and love.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA unique, valuable book for college courses on religion that explains the effect of spiritual values on attitudes toward justice. Trade Review"Andrain’s striking interdisciplinary study at the intersection of politics and theology boldly promises to bring liberalism back as an intellectual force for justice and social integrity. His account of the social gospel in U.S. moral history reminds us of the great prophetic power of engaged Christian liberalism, so deeply at odds with the politically complacent and narrowly ambitious conservative Christian politics of today." -- Christine Helmer, Departments of Religion and German, Northwestern University"This book offers a broad, exciting look at religion's role in conceptualizations of justice. Truly interdisciplinary, the book will appeal to scholars across many disciplines. It also offers a particularly timely look at how religion and politics might be married together in ways that go beyond the Religious Right's "values" rubric." -- Laura R. Olson, Professor of Political Science, Clemson University"Andrain has a deep knowledge of American political sociology...This text will be of greatest interest to scholars of American religion and political sociology." Choice, 2009Table of Contents1. Interpretations of Religion and Politics 2. Perspectives on Biblical Justice 3. Walter Rauschenbusch: Prophet of the Social Gospel 4. The Social Gospel and Political Action 5. New Thought and the Power of the Individual Mind 6. The Policy Influence of Religious Liberalism 7. Liberal and Conservative Attitudes toward Justice. Appendix: Measurement of Variables

Read more less

Book SynopsisA timely and wide-ranging exploration of the appropriate Christian response to the issues of food and diet in today's world, from health and the environment to animal rights and economic justice.Trade Review"What in God's Name are you Eating?" might both help us to keep hold of a vision of a more sustainable future and provide a practical manual for the taking of some positive personal initiatives ... As this book consistently reminds us, "Just one step starts a journey". Finishing the book, I looked hard at my lunch before me on the table. After eating with a little more awareness of the bigger processes that led to the placing of that food before me, I got up from the table resolving, in fact, to re-establish my own rectory vegetable garden. Aspiration had become application - and that's what we need now to carry us forward. Rev Andrew Norman, Methodist Recorder, 26th June 2015 "Andrew Francis's What in God's Name are you Eating? Is an informative and engaging look at the ethical and environmental implications which our food choices have in the modern global market. . Suitable read for anyone interested in informing themselves regarding the ethical implications which the modern diet entails." -Kris Hiuser, Theological Book Review, Vol. 26 No. 2, 2015Table of ContentsAcknowledgements PART ONE: INTRODUCTION 1. Four Snapshots and a Question 2. Cooking Up a Storm PART TWO: THE NATURE OF OUR CHALLENGE 3. Global Concerns 4. Discipleship's Demand PART THREE: THE BIG ISSUES 5. Water, Water, Everywhere 6. Food Miles, Free-Range, and Animal Welfare 7. The Big Meat Debate 8. Cereal Killers and Genetic Modification 9. Free Trade, Fair Trade, Fair Prices, Fare Labels 10. Self-Sufficiency, Simplicity, and Grow Your Own 11. The End of the Line . . . PART FOUR: CHANGING THE WORLD 12. Start Here 13. Developing a Global Strategy 14. Conclusions Bibliography

Read more less

Book SynopsisWritten by a former soldier turned pacifist, this is a penetrating analysis of the links between war, masculinity and misogyny and the Church's historical complicity in promoting them.Trade Review"Goff's unique experiences enable him to narrate this story (often with lurid details and 'salty' language that may make some readers uncomfortable) from a rare perspective that few civilians could access on their own. It cannot be easily dismissed as a flaccid, pacifist indulgence in an over-realised eschatology. Rather than relegate justice to the 'sweet by and by', Goff's account gives Christians sufficient cause (and the tools with which) to interrogate contemporary accounts of gender and warfare." -Shawn Aghajan, Studies in Christian Ethics, Vol. 29 No. 3, August 2016 "Stan Goff's striking book - part memoir, part theological investigation of masculinity, part psychodynamic analysis of sex and war - .... is a relentless take-down of belief in redemptive violence, and war's ennobling character. .... [It] deserves a place on Christian Ethics, Feminist Studies, and War Studies courses." -The Revd Rachel Mann, Church Times, February 2017Table of ContentsForeword by Amy Laura Hall Preface Acknowledgments 1 - Introduction 2 - My Acquaintance with a Christian Soldier and Serial Rapist 3 - Forest Troop 4 - Body Counts 5 - Ontology of the Witch Hunt 6 - Ecologies of Power 7 - The Rise of the Lawyers 8 - Misbegotten Man 9 - Eros and War 10 - Practice Makes Perfect 11 - The Masculine Fortress 12 - Torture and Redemption 13 - The Pope's Army 14 - Sleepwalking 15 - Genealogy 16 - Bodies and Objects 17 - Contagious Prefix 18 - Just, Civil, and Total War - Sanctification of State 19 - A Bodyguard of Lies: Girl Story and Boy Story 20 - Origin Myths 21 - Paradox of Domination 22 - Disgust, Transgression, and Sex 23 - Respectability 24 - Progress and Fear of the Feminine 25 - Shell Shock 26 - Nation, Race, and Hygiene 27 - The Art of Depression 28 - Homos and Harlots 29 - Second World War 30 - Bombs, Babies, and 'Burbs 31 - The Herd 32 - Taboo 33 - Consent 34 - Clarifications Bibliography Index of Names Index of Biblical References

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less