Theology Books

Book SynopsisReligious commitments can be a powerful engine for progressive social change, and in this new book, Raúl E. Zegarra examines the process of articulation of religious beliefs and political concerns that takes place in religious organizing and activism. Focusing on the example of Latin American liberation theology and the work of Peruvian theologian Gustavo Gutiérrez, Zegarra shows how liberation theology advocates have been able to produce a new balance between faith and politics that advances an agenda of progressive social change without reducing politics to faith or faith to politics. Drawing from theologian David Tracy's method of critical correlation, the book focuses on key historical, philosophical, and theological shifts that have allowed liberation theologians to produce a new interpretation of the relationship between faith and politics in the Christian tradition, especially when issues of social justice are at stake. The book further approaches liberation theology's contributions to theorizing social justice through an unconventional path: a critical dialogue with the work of philosopher John Rawls. This dialogue, as Zegarra contends, allows us to see more clearly the contributions of liberation theology to the cause of progressive social change. Ultimately the book stands between "public religion" and "public reason," offering something of a blueprint for theological innovation and for how to remain committed to one's faith while respecting and defending the core values of democracy. Trade Review"This is the best book on public theology I have read in a long time. A compelling read on every page, A Revolutionary Faith offers a highly original reflection on liberation theology and its relevance for our secular age."—José Casanova, Georgetown University"How do religious people articulate their theological commitments to social justice? A Revolutionary Faith offers a lucid and insightful account. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the convergence of faith and politics."—Mayra Rivera, Harvard University

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Book SynopsisThe forgotten legacy of religious Jewish anarchism, and the adventures and ideas of its key figures, finally comes to light in this book. Set in the decades surrounding both world wars, No masters but God identifies a loosely connected group of rabbis and traditionalist thinkers who explicitly appealed to anarchist ideas in articulating the meaning of the Torah, traditional practice, Jewish life and the mission of modern Jewry. Full of archival discoveries and first translations from Yiddish and Hebrew, it explores anarcho-Judaism in its variety through the works of Yaakov Meir Zalkind, Yitshak Nahman Steinberg, Yehudah Leyb Don-Yahiya, Avraham Yehudah Heyn, Natan Hofshi, Shmuel Alexandrov, Yehudah Ashlag and Aaron Shmuel Tamaret. With this ground-breaking account, Hayyim Rothman traces a complicated story about the modern entanglement of religion and anarchism, pacifism and Zionism, prophetic anti-authoritarianism and mystical antinomianism.Trade Review'The panoramic view of these thinkers over the course of the book’s ten chapters is an especially important contribution for the English reader since it fills a noticeable gap in scholarship by offering first-ever English translations of Hebrew and Yiddish texts and lays the foundation for future research.'Lehrhaus'A pioneering, thoroughly researched, and comprehensive portrait of [...] 8 advocates of religious Jewish anarchism.'Lilian Türk, Religion, State and Society, Volume 50 (2022) -- .Table of Contents1 An anarchist minyan2 Historical and theological context Part I: The activists3 Yaakov Meir Zalkind (1875–1938)4 Yitshak Nahman Steinberg (1888–1957) Part II: The mystics5 Shmuel Alexandrov (1865–1941)6 Yehuda Ashlag (1885–1954) Part III: The pacifists7 Yehuda-Leyb Don-Yahiya (1869–1941)8 Avraham Yehudah Heyn (1880–1957)9 Natan Hofshi (1890–1980)10 Aaron-Shmuel Tamaret (1869–1931)Conclusion: Contemporary relevanceIndex

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Book SynopsisUnderstanding the person of Christ is central to understanding the gospel. Jenny Reeves Manley unpacks Christ’s divinity and His humanity, before examining more fully Jesus’ work on earth, planned from before the beginning of time. He took our place on the cross set us free from our debt of sin. In the concluding chapters, the author explores further how Christ’s atonement enabled us to be redeemed to God and united to Christ.Trade ReviewJesus Christ is the most glorious person you will ever know. The better you know Him the more you will love Him. Jenny Manley will help you know and worship Christ more as she draws the reader deep into the life and work of Christ. This book is full of deep theology and yet, it is an easy read as it stirs your heart and soul along with your mind. I recommend that every woman should read The Doctrine of Christ, for Every Woman … and then pass it on to other women and men, so that they will grow in their love for Christ, too. -- Matthias Lohman (Pastor, The Free Evangelical Church Munich, Germany)… biblically faithfully and theologically astute teaching about Jesus Christ, but at the same time the book is wonderfully clear and accessible. I rejoice to find a book about Jesus that is theologically profound and practically applicable which the ordinary person can understand. -- Thomas R. Schreiner (James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Associate Dean, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky)This is a treasure trove of rich reflection on the most important figure in history. From beginning to end, Jenny uncovers the beauty and relevance of Christ’s person and work. I know Jesus more truly, and love Him more deeply, because I read this book. Get two copies, read it with a friend, and marvel together at our King of glory. -- Matt Smethurst (Editor, The Gospel Coalition)… my heart was warmed as I read about the Lord who suffered and died for me and not only wants me to grow in my relationship with Him, but continues to apply the benefits of His death to make it happen. -- Carrie Sandom (Director of Women’s Ministry, Proclamation Trust)Jenny Manley has done a great job in this book of making accessible an important topic for every Christian today. This books lifts our gaze to how glorious and majestic Christ is, and it will help you worship Him more. I am grateful for this book and know that it will be a great resource for ladies either on their own or in groups. -- Greg Gilbert (Senior Pastor, Third Avenue Baptist Church, Louisville, Kentucky, Author of What is the Gospel? )… excellent … In this careful biblical and theological study of who Jesus is and what He has done for us, Jenny explains the glory of the incarnation and the power and wisdom of the cross that will serve the church well. If you want to grow in your knowledge, love, and trust of Jesus, then this book is a must read. -- Stephen J. Wellum (Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky)… the choicest treasure in the stores of heaven to enrich the church on earth—Jesus Christ Himself. Make no mistake about it, there is theology here—deep theology—but it is made easier to understand through anecdotes and study questions. You will be enriched by it! -- Conrad Mbewe (Pastor, Kabwata Baptist Church, Kabwata, Zambia; Founding Chancellor, African Christian University, Lusaka, Zambia)

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Book SynopsisIn the light of what powers and faculties are human beings responsible individuals in the everyday? In his theological, historical and philosophical examination of reformed orthodox views of free will and divine sovereignty Paul Helm considers determinism and compatibilism and their historical development between 1500 and 1800. He graciously tackles the views of Richard A. Muller and Antonie Vos to argue that compatibilism is deeply rooted and represents the mainstream understanding of the reformers’ conviction on the matter.Trade Review… worthy of finer engagement and examination by historians and theologians alike. In this work on Reformed Orthodox approaches to free will, human agency, and human choice, this scholarly contribution furthers the conversation on a range of debates historical, theological, and intellectual among proponents of synchronic contingency, indeterminism, and compatibilism. -- Todd Rester (Associate Professor of Church History, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia)Paul Helm … displays his characteristic skill in theology, philosophy and history to argue that the reformed orthodox are rightly thought of as compatibilists. It is a significant contribution to the growing literature on this topic. I highly recommend this work to anyone interested in this issue or those that surround it. -- Michael Patrick Preciado (Minister, philosopher and author of A Reformed View of Freedom: The Compatibilism of Guidance Control and Reformed Theology)… a scholarly yet readable discussion with interlocutors Richard A. Muller and Anthonie Vos on Reformed Orthodoxy anthropology, in particular human freedom, with attention to issues, such as (synchronic) contingency, compatibilism, and necessity. Highly recommended, and a must–read for any serious student and scholar of early modern studies. -- Adriaan C. Neele (Professor, Historical Theology and Director of the Doctoral Program, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan)

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Book SynopsisThere is no book better than the Bible. It is God’s own word. He breathed it into existence. He does wonderful things in and by it. But there is hardly a book more assailed, mocked, and assaulted than the Bible. New Testament Professor Guy Prentiss Waters delves into the doctrine of Scripture. Addressing the revelation, inspiration, inerrancy, sufficiency and perspicuity of the Bible, he also engages with what some other prominent theologians had to say on the subject.Trade Review… meets challenges head–on, showing how the Reformed doctrine of Scripture, which takes seriously Scripture itself, best answers challenges old and new. Waters helps us see how the Bible is—wonderfully—a book unlike any other. -- Brandon D. Crowe (Associate Professor of New Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania )It is a first–class treatment of the doctrine, rich in the categories of systematic and historical theology. … it is written with the admirable clarity and deceptive simplicity for which Waters is becoming known. And finally, it ends with courteous but firm engagement with Karl Barth and Peter Enns. -- D. A. Carson (Emeritus Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois)… faithfully explains not only what the Bible is, but why God has given it to us—what He has designed for His Word to do in and through us. Along the way, Waters also teaches us both how to read the Bible and how to apply it to our daily lives. -- L. Michael Morales (Professor of Biblical Studies, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Greenville, South Carolina)Given the fact that apart from God’s self–disclosure in Scripture, the church has no objective warrant for making theological claims, it is always welcome and necessary to have books that expound and defend Scripture as God’s Word written. In this very helpful and readable work, Guy Waters gives us a faithful exposition of what Scripture is by discussing the classic attributes of Scripture in light of the Reformation and contemporary discussions. For Christians today who want to articulate and defend what Scripture is as God’s authoritative and trustworthy Word, especially in light of current challenges, this book is a must–read! -- Stephen J. Wellum (Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky)While Christians put their trust in the Lord, their knowledge of the Lord depends upon His sure and steady Word, the Holy Scriptures. Therefore, the doctrine of the Holy Scriptures is central to the Christian faith. Guy Waters helps us to listen to God’s testimony in His Word to the inspired reliability of His Word. This much-needed, well-written book stands firmly in the tradition of Augustine, Calvin, Turretin, and Warfield as it teaches and defends the Bible’s inspiration and authority. -- Joel R. Beeke (Chancellor, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan)This is an important contribution to a discussion necessitated by what an apostle called ‘God’s oracles’ (Rom. 3:2) in an intellectual atmosphere that prizes human speculation over divine revelation. -- Robert W. Yarbrough (Professor of New Testament, Covenant Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri)What can be more important than understanding the Book that God gave us? Dr. Guy Waters thoroughly, carefully, and winsomely sets before us the riches of the doctrine of Scripture. He alerts us to faulty thinking of the past and the present and also commends to us a faithful and orthodox view of the Bible, the very words of God, which are life itself. -- Stephen J. Nichols (President, Reformation Bible College, CAO Ligonier Ministries, Sanford, Florida)

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Book SynopsisWe are surrounded by lies. They are incorporated into the worldview of our culture. We daily absorb them, and these lies can have deadly effects on individuals, societies and whole civilisations. Sharon James investigates the origins of some of these lies and looks at how we have got to the point where ‘my truth’ is as valid as ‘your truth’, and absolute truth is an outdated way of thinking. In examining the evidence of history, she highlights the consequences of applying dangerous untruths. She also looks at how Christians often respond to the culture’s lies – in silence, acquiescence or celebration of them – and why these responses can be as harmful as the lies themselves. In the second part she turns to the truth which leads to real liberation and justice. She shows why we don’t need to be ashamed of Christ, or intimidated by the claims of those who are militantly opposed to the Bible. This book aims to equip Christians to navigate the minefield of current claims. To understand our inherent human significance, to know genuine freedom, and to work for real justice, we need to know the truth. Chapter headings include: Part One: The Lies We Are Told 1. There is no God and no Absolute Morality · Ludwig Feuerbach (1804–72): God is Just a Comfort Blanket · Charles Darwin (1809–82): Made Atheism Intellectually Possible · Karl Marx (1818–83): Overthrow the Old Society · From Dream to Nightmare 2. ‘No God’: From Atheism to Death Camps · Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1908): No Transcendent Morality · Sigmund Freud (1856–1939): To be Human is to be Sexual · Wilhelm Reich (1897–1957): Father of the Sexual Revolution · Margaret Sanger (1879–1966): Sex as Salvation · Sexual Liberation: Triumph or Tragedy? 3. ‘No Absolute Morality’: From Relativism to Fatherlessness · Five Ways to Destabilize Society 4. ‘No Universal Truth’: The Death of Common Sense 5. ‘No Universal Humanity’: Divided We Fall 6. False Prophets: The Compromised Church Part Two: The Truth We Must Hold 7. The Biblical Worldview: Foundation of Truth, Freedom and Dignity · God the Creator · Created in His Image · We Are All Sinners · We Can All be Forgiven 8. The Biblical Worldview: Foundation of Human Flourishing · God’s Good Design: Family · God’s Good Design: Work · God’s Good Design: Communities · God’s Good Design: Nations 9. The Biblical Worldview: Christ is King – Hope for the Future 10. What Should I Do Now?Trade Review… a remarkable feat: she addresses the lies that our culture currently exalts as truth and does so in a way that crosses the generational divide and will be helpful both to young people and those who wish to understand them and help them think through the deepest challenges of our day. -- Carl R. Trueman (Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies, Grove City College, Pennsylvania)Anyone seeking to understand why society seems to be falling apart, and what we can do about it, needs to read this book. Highly recommended! -- Wayne Grudem (Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies, Phoenix Seminary, Phoenix, Arizona)… shows us that it all started with the denial of the existence of God, absolute morality, and universal truth. Instead, the world conjured up its own notions of truth and justice. The only antidote is to return to a biblical worldview, which Sharon very deftly lays out in the second half of her book. I highly recommend this work! -- John MacArthur (Chancellor Emeritus, The Master’s University and Seminary and Pastor–Teacher, Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, California)Clearly and forcefully and in pursuit of a purpose of persuasion, James has given us a succinct analysis of today’s culture of death, how we got here, assurance that it will not have final victory, and clear guidance out of the bondage of these destructive lies. -- Tom Nettles (Senior Professor of Historical Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky)… a detailed but highly readable and valuable resource to help us engage with the people around us and contextualise the timeless truth of Jesus. -- Graham Nicholls (Director, Affinity, Cambridge, UK)

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Book SynopsisChristian faith is a matter for the emotions, but also a matter for the intellect. Donald MacLeod delves into not only what he believes, but why he believes, and how that belief affects how he lives his life. Arguing for the importance of reason and logic in personal faith, he equips the reader to resist relativist influences that are permeating the twenty–first–century church. Winsomely written, Professor MacLeod shows once again why he is a beloved teacher and writer.Trade ReviewEvery Christian will benefit from this delightful book. But as a guide to the basics of the faith for new disciples it should prove invaluable. -- David Strain (Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Mississippi)After reading Faith Undaunted, I can’t help thinking of the elderly lady’s reaction when she heard J. C. Ryle preach: ‘He’s no Bishop. I could understand every word!’ And so…Donald Macleod blesses us with his vintage clarity in this stirring, searching, sustaining apology for ‘Apostles’ Creed’ faith. -- Dale Ralph Davis (Respected Author and Old Testament Scholar)…he not only immediately disarms you but also intrigues you enough to encourage you to want to read on. You will then be invited to think patiently and clearly with him about what philosophers have often thought is the greatest and most fundamental question of all, namely why there is something and not nothing. -- Sinclair B. Ferguson (Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi)

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Book SynopsisOne of the key questions the Protestant Reformation asked and answered was: how does a person get right with God? In approaching this question, the Reformers set out to rediscover and establish the bounds of essential Christianity through five declarations: sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), sola gratia (grace alone), sola fide (faith alone), solus Christus (Christ alone), and sola Deo gloria (the glory of God alone). Nate Pickowicz’s guide will help us understand not only the Reformation, but the Christian faith itself.Trade ReviewNate Pickowicz does an excellent job of reminding us of the importance of the historic Reformation and pointing out our place in the long line of our gospel heritage. -- Josh Buice (Pastor, Pray's Mill Baptist Church, Douglasville, Georgia)His clear and concise points remind the mature and educate the learning of God’s triumphant grace, and may also rescue some lost souls from the devil’s snares! -- Gabriel Hughes (Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church, Lindale, TX; Creator and Voice of When We Understand The Text)… we so desperately need that same Spirit of the Reformation to blow through our churches once again. May this introduction to those foundational tenets of evangelical religion be used of God to do just that. -- Mike Riccardi (Pastor at Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, CA; Assistant Professor of Theology, The Master’s Seminary; Author of Sanctification: The Christian’s Pursuit of God–Given Holiness )In the ecumenical movement (including Roman Catholicism, liberal Protestantism and sectors of Eastern Orthodoxy) there is a widespread sentiment that the Reformation is over. Our age resonates less and less with theological distinctions when thinking about ‘Christianity’. Pope Francis has suggested that Christianity is like a ‘polyhedron’ where everything is related with everything else with no criteria. I commend Nate Pickowicz’s book because it underlines the reality that the historical events of the Protestant Reformation in the sixteenth century were shaped by theological concerns that have permanent and on–going significance. Our age (and our churches) need to hear afresh why we are Protestant. -- Leonardo De Chirico (Church planter in central Rome)… wonderfully demonstrates what every Christian needs at the forefront of their mind: you must be pro–Christ, pro–evangelism, pro–exposition, pro–Bible and more! My only ‘protest’ is that the book is too short! -- Mike Abendroth (Pastor, Bethlehem Bible Church, Boylston, Massachusetts & Host of No Compromise Radio)Nate Pickowicz has done a masterful job in revisiting the importance of the Reformation and why Protestants need to keep contending for the Fives Solas that distinguish Roman Catholicism from Biblical Christianity. -- Mike Gendron (Director of Proclaiming The Gospel)This is a refreshing and compelling presentation of the heart of Biblical Christianity: the five Solas of the Protestant Reformation. Such clear proclamation of Gospel truth is desperately needed in our age; we are led to rejoice in our great salvation, and warned of the dangers of deviating from this true path. -- Bill James (Principal, London Seminary, London, UK)The work that was begun 500 years ago by the Reformers is just as needed today as then. If you want to understand the issues related to Roman Catholicism and the need to speak the truth in love to Catholics, I highly commend this book to you. -- Justin Peters (Founder of Justin Peters Ministries )What Pickowicz accomplishes is exceptional. Unlike many books written about the five solas, this one intentionally avoids Christian jargon, and would be a helpful evangelistic resource. It is direct but patient, clear but kind. Most of all it is persuasive. -- Jesse Johnson (Lead Teaching Pastor at Immanuel Bible Church, Springfield, Virginia; Associate Dean of The Master’s Seminary in Washington, DC; and blogger at thecripplegate.com)Here is a desperately needed book for the dark days in which we live. Why We’re Protestant deals not with peripheral issues, but with what is absolutely essential and non–negotiable to the Christian faith. -- Steven J. Lawson (President, OnePassion Ministries and Professor of Preaching,The Master’s Seminary, Sun Valley, California)… eloquently surveys the explosive biblical doctrines restored to glorious color, and ecclesial practice, in Europe five centuries ago. -- Owen Strachan (Provost and Professor of Theology, Grace Bible Theological Seminary, Conway, Arkansas)

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Book SynopsisHow does God’s unchanging nature impact the salvation of his people? While divine immutability enjoyed a broad affirmation through much of Christian theological antiquity, it has fallen on harder times in modernity. Seen as a holdover from overly philosophical theology, divine immutability has often been characterized as rendering God static and incapable of having meaningful relationships with his creation. This book aims to swim upstream from this claim and demonstrate that divine immutability does not handicap soteriology but is a necessary and vital component of God’s economy of redemption as triune changelessness protects and promotes the redemption of God’s creatures. By anchoring the economy of redemption in divine immutability, we see the benefit of rooting all of God’s economic work in the immanent life of God. This book aims to be a work of dogmatic theology and therefore will arrive at this thesis by way of exegetical, historical, and philosophical theology. In harmony, these fields will interact with varying deviations and denials of divine immutability and ultimately conclude that a classical articulation of God’s changelessness does most justice to the economy of redemption.Trade ReviewThis is a terrific articulation of what Christians mean when they affirm the words of Malachi 3:6: ‘For I the LORD do not change…’ And, as Ronni Kurtz points out well, this unchangeable nature and purpose is good news for us: ‘…Therefore, O Israel, you are not consumed.’ -- Michael Horton (J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California, Escondido, California)… creatively and insightfully argues that the biblical, historical and theological traditions rightly profess God’s immutability. Far from be a hindrance, divine immutability is the sine qua non for humankind’s salvation. Thus, Kurtz makes a profound contribution to the Christian theological and philosophical tradition. -- Thomas G. Weinandy (OFM, Capuchin, and Author, Does God Change? And Does God Suffer?)If you’re looking for a primer not just on immutability but also on the Christian doctrine of God, biblical hermeneutics, the Great Tradition, and the systematic nature of theology, this is it. -- Matthew Emerson (Dean of Theology, Arts and Humanities, Floyd K Clark Chair of Christian Leadership, Professor of Religion, Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, Oklahoma)

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Book SynopsisWhat hath beauty to do with systematic theology? In this new monograph, Samuel G. Parkison explores this question by examining the relationship between Christ’s divine beauty and regeneration and faith. Building on recent scholarship in (a) theological retrieval of the Christian tradition, and (b) Protestant developments in theological aesthetics, this project is concerned with soteriology’s aesthetic dimension. While many today may consider beauty a mere matter of preference, glibly assuming that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” Parkison pushes fiercely in the opposite direction, dignifying beauty by recognizing its objective value—a feature of aesthetics that has fallen on hard times since the so–called Enlightenment, and the subsequent “uglification of culture” (as Sir Roger Scruton put it). In this doxologically flavored, dogmatically charged work, Parkison pulls from a variety of disciplines to demonstrate Christ’s beauty, and the relevance of Christ’s beauty on Christian theology. Irresistible Beauty is the work of a synthetic generalist. It is not strictly a work of exegesis, though it will stand firmly on exegetical findings. It is not strictly a work of biblical theology, though it will be biblical–theological. It is not strictly a work of historical theology, though it will engage in theological retrieval of the church’s history. It is not strictly a philosophical work, though, driven by a love for wisdom, it will be irreducibly philosophical. Thus, this is a systematic–theological work in the full sense of the term—informed and shaped by these disciplines and informing and shaping the pursuit of them. Irresistible Beauty is sure to stimulate readers who enjoy a wide range of topics: the philosophy of beauty, metaphysics, Classical Christian Theism, biblical theology, and a Protestant Reformed conception soteriology are all dealt with in this dense theological work. Parkison also converses with some of the greatest minds of Christian history (e.g., Athanasius, Hilary of Poitiers, Gregory of Nazianzus, Gregory of Nyssa, Basil the Great, Anselm, Thomas Aquinas, Francis Turretin, John Owen, Jonathan Edwards, Herman Bavinck, Hans Urs von Balthasaar), making Irresistible Beauty a stimulating work for many a reader.Trade ReviewParkison’s work is a delight because of all the different subjects he broaches. Everything from philosophy, to history of interpretation, to exegesis is dealt with here. You will learn more than you planned on when you read this book. -- Patrick Schreiner (Associate Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri)This fascinating study considers biblical soteriology as the believer being drawn into union with Christ through faith as beholding irresistible beauty. This is dogmatics in the service of the church at its finest. -- Craig Carter (Professor of Theology, Tyndale University, Toronto, Ontario)… compels faith–filled worship of the living God as delight in and desire for true Beauty, manifest climactically in Christ’s life, death, resurrection, and eternal reign. This systematic study in theological aesthetics properly shows that true theology is doxology. I highly recommend it. -- Jason S. DeRouchie (Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Theology, Bethlehem College and Seminary, Minneapolis, Minnesota)… a compelling biblical case for retrieving the glorious beauty of the truth and goodness of the good news of Jesus Christ. ‘Irresistible Beauty’ is an important argument for appreciating the aesthetic dimension of saving faith. -- Kevin J. Vanhoozer (Research Professor of Systematic Theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois)… offers a thoroughgoing dogmatic treatment of the Protestant Reformed understanding of regeneration and faith. Doxology, not simply dogmatics, is the reader’s reward. -- Jonathan King (International Pastoral Training Director, Family Discipleship Ministries)Only when the Spirit gives us eyes to behold the beauty of our triune God can we then truly know what is beautiful as we behold the glory of God’s beatitude. Readers who want to plumb the nature of true beauty will do well to weigh carefully Dr. Parkison’s arguments. -- J. V. Fesko (Harriet Barbour Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi)

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Book SynopsisNo one has ever seen God. In fact, the Bible says it’s impossible. And yet, to live the Christian life, you must see God. If we can see God, the very sight of Him will fuel and motivate all the other aspects of our lives. So how do we do it? John Davis delves into the ways that we can see God. We see God in His Word; we see Him in the person of Jesus Christ; we even see Him reflected in one another. Although God remains unseen, He has revealed Himself in a whole host of ways. Our hearts perceive Him in the beauty of creation, and in moments of wonder and transcendence. Davis also gives helpful counsel for when we feel like we can’t see God, or don’t want to see Him. When we behold God’s glory it changes everything about us. In keeping our sight fixed on Him, we reflect Him more and more. John Davis invites us to join him in fixing our eyes on the One who is invisible and look forward to the day when we will see Him face to face.Trade ReviewI sincerely appreciate what John has done on this seldom–addressed subject. He found many relevant angles to develop and unfolded them in ways that are very relevant to Christian thinking and living. I was quite moved many times as I was reading it. -- Jack Cottrell ((1938–2022) Author, pastor, theologian)… captures the biblical tension of the call to spend our lives as Christians seeking what we cannot see as the path to truly know the Triune God. -- Brian Croft (Pastor, Auburndale Baptist Church, Louisville, Kentucky and Founder, Practical Shepherding)My affections were stirred while reading Seeing the Unseen God, and I heartily commend it. Not only is it thoroughly biblical, but it is also pastorally sensitive. Read this book and let Pastor Davis shepherd you into the presence of Christ, in whose face you will see the glory of the unseen God. -- Samuel G. Parkison (Assistant Professor of Theological Studies, Gulf Theological Seminary, United Arab Emirates; author, ‘Irresistible Beauty: Beholding the Triune Glory in the Face of Jesus Christ’)John Davis’ provocative book goes beyond most authors who have dared to write about “seeing” God. His thoughts are fresh, readable and insightful. They are certain to challenge you to open the eyes of your heart that you might see God in ways you may never have considered. -- Bob Russell (Retired Senior Minister, Southeast Christian Church, Middletown, Kentucky)

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Book SynopsisFrom the Latin word credo, meaning ‘I believe’, creeds are statements of personal belief. They have been used throughout the history of the church to helpfully condense the fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith. They are a valuable in that they – Summarize Christian truth – Testify to what the Church has always believed – Help us be precise in how we express truth – Guard us against heresy and error – Unify believers who share the same testimony In Christ & Creed Nate Pickowicz helpfully examines the early major ecumenical creeds, providing historical context and highlighting the distinctives in the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Definition of Chalcedon and the Athanasian Creed. He shows how these statements are still invaluable for the church today. It also includes a glossary of terms and recommended further reading.Trade Review When I was saved out of false doctrine it was the gospel that did it, but once saved I faced the tall task of sifting through the wreckage of twisted beliefs. Faithful forerunners have fought the fight, run their race, and left helpful doctrinal ‘checkpoints’ for us today. My friend Nate Pickowicz has put them all in this book for you. I know you’ll be blessed! -- Costi W. Hinn (Teaching Pastor, Shepherd’s House Bible Church, Chandler, Arizona; Founder and President, For the Gospel)… outlines the historical context, the theological import, and the biblical roots of the affirmations of these time–honoured and normative texts. And it does all of this in language that is easy to grasp, which is no small feat… A great tool for both individual study and corporate reflection. -- Michael A. G. Haykin (Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky)… Pickowicz ably expounds the subject without swamping interested newbies. Having read it closely, I heartily commend it to you with expectant prayers for your edification in our most holy and ancient faith. -- D. Scott Meadows (Pastor, Calvary Baptist Church (Reformed), Exeter, New Hampshire)… helpfully brings ancient truth to the modern reader for the glory of God the Trinity and for the buttressing and augmenting of our faith. -- Joel R. Beeke (Chancellor, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan)

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Book Synopsis A 30th anniversary edition of a classic book on the Trinity by one of Britain’s most prominent theologians. Donald Macleod argues that our understanding of the Trinity matters because ‘it is the model for the way we should live, particularly in our relations with one another.’ The relationship between Father, Son and Spirit is laid out in Scripture, and although fully grasping the concept of this divine mystery will always be beyond us, we can understand it better. It is critically important that we do, for if our understanding of God is wrong, it may lead to other wrong beliefs. Donald Macleod’s faithful insight into what Scripture has to say about the Godhead is priceless, as relevant now as when it was first published. This 30th anniversary edition has been newly typeset and has a new cover, and will be an invaluable resource to a new generation of readers.Trade ReviewThe Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity, when rightly appreciated, is one of the most precious truths on which a believer may meditate. For the beginner, Shared Life provides the ideal introduction. It is simple, clear, straight forward, and practical (without being superficial). -- Ligon Duncan (Chancellor and CEO, Reformed Theological Seminary)I have not read a more accessible and well–written treatment than Donald Macleod’s book, Shared Life. It is a truly enjoyable read and I am very thankful to see it republished in this new 30th anniversary edition. May the Lord use this excellent resource for a new generation. I commend it warmly. -- Nate Pickowicz (Pastor, Harvest Bible Church, Gilmanton Iron Works, New Hampshire)Shared Life offers readers the chance to sit once more in the classroom of one of the great Scottish theologians of the last century. Here we have Donald Macleod at his finest, constantly reminding us that the doctrine of the Trinity is far more than a topic for academic study. It is a truth with the potential to transform us as we draw near to consider the shared love of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. -- Hunter Nicholson (Donald Macleod Researcher)

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Book SynopsisWhat if the Trinity we've been taught is not the Trinity of the Bible? In this groundbreaking book, Matthew Barrett reveals a shocking discovery: we have manipulated the Trinity, recreating the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our own image. With clarity and creativity, Barrett mines the Scriptures as well as the creeds and confessions of the faith to help you rediscover the beauty, simplicity, and majesty of our Triune God. You will be surprised to learn that what you believe about the Trinity has untold consequences for salvation and the Christian life. To truly know God, you must meet the One who is simply Trinity.

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Book SynopsisSaint Thomas Aquinas's masterwork, the Summa theologiae, can be daunting to beginners. This volume by an expert on Aquinas's theology offers an ideal introduction. It presents key selections from the Summa along with accessible commentary designed to provide background, explain key concepts, and walk readers through Aquinas's arguments. Previously published as Holy Teaching, this new edition has been fully revised and includes a substantial amount of new material. The book draws from the entire Summa and incorporates selections that focus on moral theology, providing a fuller picture of Aquinas's thought.Table of ContentsContentsIntroductionPrologue to the Summa theologiaeTHE FIRST PARTQuestion 1: The Nature of Holy TeachingQuestion 2: The Existence of GodQuestion 3: The Simplicity of GodQuestion 12: Knowledge of GodQuestion 13: Words for GodQuestion 27: The Procession of the Divine PersonsQuestion 32: Knowledge of the TrinityQuestion 36: The Person of the Holy SpiritQuestion 39: The Persons in Relation to the EssenceQuestion 43: The Sending of the Divine PersonsQuestion 45: How Things Come Forth from the First PrincipleQuestion 50: The Substance of the Angels1.50.1 Is there any entirely spiritual creature, completely nonbodily?Question 75: The Nature of the Soul ItselfQuestion 93: The Image and Likeness of GodTHE FIRST HALF OF THE SECOND PARTPrologue to the First Half of the Second PartQuestion 1: The Final Goal for Human BeingsQuestion 3: What Happiness IsQuestion 4: Those Things That Are Required for HappinessQuestion 5: The Attainment of HappinessQuestion 6: The Voluntary and InvoluntaryQuestion 9: The Mover of the WillQuestion 18: Good and Bad in Human Acts in GeneralQuestion 55: The Essence of the VirtuesQuestion 61: The Cardinal VirtuesQuestion 62: The Theological VirtuesQuestion 65: The Connection of the VirtuesQuestion 68: The GiftsQuestion 71: Vices and Sins Considered in ThemselvesQuestion 91: The Various Kinds of LawQuestion 109: The Necessity of GraceQuestion 110: The Grace of God as Regards Its EssenceTHE SECOND HALF OF THE SECOND PARTPrologue to the Second Half of the Second PartQuestion 2: The Act of FaithQuestion 11: HeresyQuestion 17: HopeQuestion 19: The Gift of FearQuestion 23: CharityQuestion 24: Charity in Relation to Its SubjectQuestion 40: WarQuestion 47: Prudence in ItselfQuestion 58: JusticeQuestion 64: HomicideQuestion 77: Cheating That Is Committed in Buying and SellingQuestion 123: FortitudeQuestion 124: MartyrdomQuestion 141: ModerationQuestion 153: LustQuestion 182: The Active Life Compared to the Contemplative LifeTHE THIRD PARTPrologue to the Third PartQuestion 1: The Fittingness of the IncarnationQuestion 2: The Mode of Union of the Word IncarnateQuestion 9: Christ's Knowledge in GeneralQuestion 16: What Is Fittingly Said of ChristQuestion 17: Christ's Unity with Regard to His ExistenceQuestion 27: The Sanctification of the Blessed VirginQuestion 40: Christ's Way of LivingQuestion 42: Christ's TeachingQuestion 46: The Suffering of ChristQuestion 47: The Efficient Cause of Christ's SufferingQuestion 48: What Christ's Suffering DidQuestion 53: Christ's ResurrectionQuestion 54: The Qualities of the Risen ChristQuestion 59: Christ's Power as JudgeQuestion 61: The Need for the SacramentsQuestion 62: The Sacraments' Principal Effect, Which Is GraceQuestion 63: The Other Effect of the Sacraments, Which Is a SealQuestion 65: The Number of the SacramentsQuestion 66: The Sacrament of BaptismQuestion 68: Those Who Receive BaptismQuestion 75: The Conversion of the Bread and WineQuestion 80: Receiving the EucharistQuestion 83: The Rite of This SacramentIndex

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Book SynopsisA Word & Way 2022 Book of the Year Sojourners' 2022 Book Roundup to Inspire Faith and Justice Christian nonviolence is not a settled position but a vibrant and living tradition. This book offers a concise introduction to diverse approaches to, proponents of, and resources for this tradition. It explores the myriad biblical, theological, and practical dimensions of Christian nonviolence as represented by a variety of twentieth- and twenty-first-century thinkers and movements, including previously underrepresented voices. The authors invite readers to explore this tradition and discover how they might live out the gospel in our modern world.Table of ContentsContentsIntroduction1. Nonviolence of Christian DiscipleshipFollowing Jesus in a World at War2. Nonviolence as Christian VirtueBecoming a Peaceable People3. Nonviolence of Christian MysticismUniting with the God of Peace4. Apocalyptic NonviolenceExposing the Power of Death5. Realist NonviolenceCreating Just Peace in a Fallen World6. Nonviolence as Political PracticeBringing Nonviolence into the Public Square7. Liberationist NonviolenceDisrupting the Spiral of Violence8. Christian AntiviolenceResisting Sexual and Gender-Based ViolenceConclusionIndex

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Book SynopsisIf God is all powerful and entirely good and loving, why is there so much evil in the world? Based on a close canonical reading of Scripture, this book offers a new approach to the challenge of reconciling the Christian confession of a loving God with the realities of suffering and evil. John Peckham offers a constructive proposal for a theodicy of love that upholds both the sovereignty of God and human freedom, showing that Scripture points toward a framework for thinking about God's love in relation to the world.Table of ContentsContents1. The Problem of Evil and the Free Will Defense2. Love, Evil, and God's Unfulfilled Desires3. The Cosmic Conflict Framework4. The Nature of the Conflict and Rules of Engagement5. Evil Defeated but Not Yet Destroyed6. Evaluating the Theodicy of LoveIndexes

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Book SynopsisThe story of the good Samaritan in Luke 10 is one of Jesus's most well-known parables. It continues to fascinate readers with its powerful imagery and ethical significance. In this exposition, New Testament scholar Emerson Powery shows how this classic and beloved text can speak afresh to the life of the church today. Powery explains that in every generation, followers of Jesus need to be reminded that mercy is a natural consequence of faith. Jesus's parable of the good Samaritan emphasizes this point in a dramatic way by placing an "enemy" as the central hero of the story. Powery explores diverse interpretations of the good Samaritan, carefully investigates this parable within the theology of the Gospel of Luke, and connects the parable to contemporary events. The book encourages readers to think through the ethical implications of this story for their own contexts. The Touchstone Texts series addresses key Bible passages, making high-quality biblical scholarship accessible to the church. The series editor is Stephen B. Chapman, Duke Divinity School.Table of ContentsContentsSeries PrefaceThe Preamble1. Who Is My Neighbor? Luke 10 for the Life of the Church2. The Good Samaritan in Christian Tradition: What You See Depends on Where You Stand3. Mercy and the Neighbor: Reading the Parable4. Samaritan Lives Matter: Is the Church Engaged in Good Trouble?Conclusion: Imagining a "Samaritan" for the Life of the ChurchIndexes

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Book SynopsisTwo renowned theologians open up the reality of God's glory in this book, offering readers a dynamic foundation for glorifying God in the twenty-first century. Drawing from Christian spirituality, liturgy, poetry, hymns, iconography, seminal "glory" texts in the Bible, the Nicene Creed, and theologians throughout the ages who caught sight of the glory of God in diverse ways, this book explores the immensely rich and generative soteriological theme of glorification. It shows students how to integrate theology into the life of faith and demonstrates how the practices of Christian worship influence theological thinking. Metaphors, descriptions, evocations, concepts, narratives, and more highlight the amazing, abundant reality of glorification. This is the first book in the Soteriology and Doxology series. These introductory textbooks cover key topics in soteriology, providing substantive treatments of doctrine while pointing to the setting of theology in doxology. Series editors are Kent Eilers and Kyle C. Strobel.Table of ContentsSeries PrefaceIntroductionDoxological Prelude: The Nicene Creed1. The Nicene CreedDoxological Interlude: John 172. ScriptureDoxological Interlude: Ephesians 3:14-213. The Church Fully AliveDoxological Interlude: Psalm 1454. The Christian Life and GlorificationDoxological Postlude: Christ in Glory in the Tetramorph, 1962 (Graham Sutherland)Indexes

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Book SynopsisEvery PhD student in theological and biblical studies is expected to read German, but there are surprisingly few resources to help students learn to read and translate scholarly theological works. This streamlined grammar and reader by an experienced teacher and German-language expert presents biblical passages and theological readings of gradually increasing difficulty. Suited for self-study or classroom use, this book helps students to gain the proficiency needed for scholarly theological research.Table of ContentsContentsHow to Get the Most from This BookIntroductionReadingsInstructions for Readings 1-61. Amos 2,1-32. Amos 2,4-53. Amos 2,6-74. Amos 3,1-25. Amos 3,13-156. Amos 7,1-3Instructions for Readings 7-167. Matthäus 7,24-278. Lukas 10,25-379. Matthäus 5,13-1610. Matthäus 8,1-411. Markus 1,40-4512. Lukas 5,12-1613. Matthäus 14,13-2114. Markus 6,30-4415. Lukas 9,10b-1716. Johannes 6,1-1517. Die synoptische Frage18. Bethlehem19. Beelzebul20. Jeremias, Der Prophet Amos21. Die soziale Krise des 8. Jahrhunderts22. Johannes der Täufer23. Moltmann, Christliche Erneuerungen24. Bonhoeffer, „Tischgemeinschaft"Instructions for Readings 25-2925. Pneumatologie and Spiritualität26. Luther27. Calvin28. Zwingli29. Klauck, „Am Ende einer Reise"30. „An die Kulturwelt!"31. Barth, Vorwort zu Der Römerbrief32. Barth, Nachwort zu Schleiermacher33. Bonhoeffer, „Beichte und Abendmahl"34. Die Barmer Erklärung35. Ein Vortrag über Niemöller36. Bauer, Rechtgläubigkeit und Ketzerei im ältesten ChristentumInstructions for Readings 37-4537. Glaube38. Theologische Themen in ihren biblischen Kontexten39. Moltmann, „Folgen der Nachfolge"40. Grillmeier, Jesus der Christus im Glauben der Kirche41. Barth, Der Römerbrief42. Paulus als Seelsorger43. Lohfink, Wem gilt die Bergpredigt?44. Lohfink, Das Vaterunser45. Ein Lied in FrakturschriftLearning ResourcesSupplementary Bible ReadingsZahlen (Numbers)Reference GrammarAnswer Key to AssignmentsWorks CitedGerman-English GlossaryIndex

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Book SynopsisSouthwestern Journal of Theology 2021 Book Award (Theological Studies) 2021 Book Award, The Gospel Coalition (Honorable Mention, Academic Theology) Following his well-received Interpreting Scripture with the Great Tradition, Craig Carter presents the biblical and theological foundations of trinitarian classical theism. Carter, a leading Christian theologian known for his provocative defenses of classical approaches to doctrine, critiques the recent trend toward modifying or rejecting classical theism in favor of modern "relational" understandings of God. The book includes a short history of trinitarian theology from its patristic origins to the modern period, and a concluding appendix provides a brief summary of classical trinitarian theology. Foreword by Carl R. Trueman.Table of ContentsForeword by Carl R. TruemanPrologue: How My Mind Has ChangedPart 1: Defining Trinitarian Classical Theism1. Classical Orthodoxy and the Rise of Relational Theism2. What Is Trinitarian Classical Theism?Part 2: The Biblical Roots of Trinitarian Classical Theism3. Interpreting Isaiah 40-48 Theologically4. God as the Transcendent Creator (Isa. 40)5. God as the Sovereign Lord of History (Isa. 41-48)6. God as the One Who Alone Is to Be Worshiped (Isa. 41-48)Part 3: Trinitarian Classical Theism in History7. The Biblical Character of Pro-Nicene Theology8. Creatio ex nihilo and the Rejection of Mythology9. Do We Worship the God of the Bible?Epilogue: Why the Church Does Not Change Its MindAppendix: Twenty-Five Theses on Trinitarian Classical TheismIndexes

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Book SynopsisThis systematic theology textbook introduces students to the complexity and beauty of theology as a pursuit of the global church today. It views theology as an ongoing conversation with many voices about the wonders of God that is faithful to Scripture but is also attentive to the wisdom of tradition and the relevance of context. The book first summarizes the nature and necessity of theological thinking and discusses theological method. Chapters then unfold in creedal order through the various regions of Christian teaching, with units on revelation, God, creation and providence, Christology, pneumatology, ecclesiology, anthropology, soteriology, and eschatology. This book is part of a new series that reflects the changing face of global Christianity. Series volumes are written by leading Pentecostal/Charismatic scholars who highlight themes of interest to Pentecostal/Charismatic students; however, the books are respectful, appreciative, and inclusive of a variety of church families and traditions. Series editors are Jerry Ireland, Paul W. Lewis, and Frank D. Macchia.Table of ContentsSeries PrefaceIntroduction1. Theology, Scripture, and Context2. God3. Jesus Christ4. Holy Spirit, Creation, and Salvation5. Church6. Final PurposesThe Bottom LineSelected ResourcesIndexes

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Book Synopsis2018 Book Award Winner, The Gospel Coalition (Academic Theology) A Choice Outstanding Academic Title for 2019 Will all evil finally turn to good, or does some evil remain stubbornly opposed to God and God's goodness? Will even the devil be redeemed? Addressing a theological issue of perennial interest, this comprehensive book (in two volumes) surveys the history of Christian universalism from the second to the twenty-first century and offers an interpretation of how and why universalist belief arose. The author explores what the church has taught about universal salvation and hell and critiques universalism from a biblical, philosophical, and theological standpoint. He shows that the effort to extend grace to everyone undermines the principle of grace for anyone.Table of ContentsContentsVolume 1AcknowledgmentsAbbreviationsPrologueIntroduction0.1. Uncovering a Gnostic-Kabbalist-Esoteric Tradition0.2. Linking Esoteric Universalism in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam0.3. Two Christian Strands: Origenism and Böhmism0.4. The Theme of Divine Self-Alienation and Self-Return0.5. Contrasts between Esoteric and Exoteric Christian Theologies0.6. Theological Issues: Preexistence, Wisdom, Punishment, and Rationalism0.7. The Late Twentieth-Century Tilt toward Universalism0.8. Divine Drama in Bulgakov, Barth, Balthasar, Tillich, and Moltmann0.9. Scripture, Reason, and Experience in Universalist Argumentation0.10. A Theological Irony: Universalism's Eclipse of Grace1. Final Salvation: Church Teachings and Newer Views1.1. Mainline Protestants: The Turn toward Universalism1.2. Roman Catholics: Traditionalists versus "Hopeful Universalists"1.3. Eastern Orthodoxy: Official Teachings and Private Opinions1.4. Evangelicals, Pentecostals, and Charismatics: Newcomers to Universalism1.5. Should Everyone Be Told? Universalism as a Secret Gospel1.6. Christ's Descent to the Dead and the Larger Hope1.7. The Old Catholic Purgatory and the New1.8. Protestants Debating Hell: From the Seventeenth to Nineteenth Centuries1.9. Recent Catholic Discussions of Death and Hell1.10. British Evangelicals and the Debate over Conditionalism1.11. Summary and Conclusions on Church Teachings2. Ancient Afterlives: The Gnostic, Kabbalist, and Esoteric Roots of Christian Universalism2.1. Near Eastern and Greco-Roman Cultures: From Shadows to Immortal Souls2.2. Jewish Afterlives: Bodies, Souls, Resurrection, and Judgment2.3. Evidence for Second- and Third-Century Gnostic Universalism2.4. Medieval Gnosis: Catharist Universalism2.5. Core Concepts of Kabbalah2.6. Universalist Tendencies in Kabbalah2.7. Early Christian Cabala: Guillaume Postel2.8. Dutch Jews in the 1600s: The Morteira-Aboab Debate on Eternal Punishment2.9. Multilevel Heavens in Swedenborgianism and Mormonism2.10. The Universalism of Sadhu Sundar Singh2.11. Gnostic and Esoteric Models for Reunion with the Divine2.12. Summary and Conclusions on Gnostic, Kabbalistic, and Esoteric Universalisms3. "The End Is Like the Beginning": Origen and Origenism, 200-410 CE3.1. The Modern Rehabilitation of Origen and Origenism3.2. The Question of Origen's Texts3.3. Clement of Alexandria and the Question of Universalism3.4. Origen's Intellectual Backdrop and Cosmic Vision3.5. The Vexatious Issue of Preexistent Souls3.6. Origen's Theology: God, Souls, Angels, Demons, Salvation, and the Eschaton3.7. Origen's Biblical Interpretation and the Cleansing Fire of Conscience3.8. Debated Issues on Origen and the Arguments of the Anti-Origenians3.9. Gregory of Nyssa's Revised Origenism3.10. Final Confluence in Evagrius of Pontus3.11. The First Origenist Controversy, I: Beginnings under Epiphanius3.12. The First Origenist Controversy, II: Conflict in Egypt under Theophilus3.13. The First Origenist Controversy, III: The Jerome-Rufinus Debate3.14. Summary and Conclusions on Origen and Origenism, 200-410 CE4. "That God May Be All in All": Origen and Origenism, 410-1700 CE4.1. Fifth-Century Coptic Anti-Origenism: Shenoute of Atripe4.2. Non-Universalist Syriac Authors: Aphrahat, Ephrem, Isaac of Antioch, and Narsai4.3. Augustine's Conceptual Analysis and Critique of Origen4.4. Hierarchical Neoplatonism: Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite4.5. Stephen bar Sudaili and the Book of the Holy Hierotheos4.6. Bar Sudaili and Thirteenth-Century Mesopotamia: Bar Hebraeus, George Washnaya, and Simon the Persecuted4.7. Sixth-Century Origenism in the Letters of Severus of Antioch and Barsanuphius4.8. Maximus the Confessor's Critique of Origenism4.9. The Universalist Theology of Isaac the Syrian4.10. The Speculative System of John Scotus Eriugena4.11. Thomas Aquinas as a Critic of Origen4.12. Soundings in European Origenism, 1200-1650 CE4.13. Origenism in Seventeenth-Century England: Rust, Parker, and Conway4.14. Origenism's "Swan Song": The Bayle-Le Clerc Exchange4.15. Toward Universalist Rationalism: Andrew Michael Ramsay and David Hartley4.16. Summary and Conclusions on Origen and Origenism, 410-1700 CE5. "In Yes and No All Things Consist": The Theosophic World of Jakob Böhme and the Böhmists of Germany, England, America, France, and Russia5.1. Jakob Böhme: Life and Legend5.2. Divergent Interpretations of Böhme's Thought5.3. An Outline and Summary of Böhme's Theology5.4. The Böhmist Shift to Universalism5.5. Böhmist Receptions: Sectarian, Churchly, Esoteric, Literary, and Philosophical5.6. Johann Georg Gichtel and the Early German Böhmists5.7. Gerrard Winstanley, Jane Lead, and the Philadelphian Movement in England5.8. Johann and Johanna Petersen and German and German-American Pietistic Universalism5.9. British Böhmism: William Law, George MacDonald, Andrew Jukes, and Thomas Erskine5.10. Universalism against a Backdrop of French Illuminism, Esotericism, and Occultism5.11. Martines de Pasqually and the Emergence of French Martinism5.12. Martinism under Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin5.13. The Rise of Russian Böhmism prior to Solovyov5.14. Summary and Conclusions on Böhme and Böhmist Universalism6. A House Divided: The Rise and Fall of the Anglo-American Universalists6.1. Sectarians and Pietists: German Roots of American Universalism6.2. George de Benneville and Paul Siegvolck's Everlasting Gospel6.3. Caleb Rich and Body-Soul Dualism6.4. James Relly and Calvinistic Universalism6.5. John Murray and Rellyan Universalism in America6.6. Elhanan Winchester and Transatlantic Restorationist Universalism6.7. From Calvinism to Universalism to Unitarianism in Britain6.8. Hosea Ballou and the Restorationist Controversy6.9. Internal Tensions and Contradictions in Anglo-American Universalism6.10. Summary and Conclusions on Anglo-American UniversalismVolume 27. German Thinkers: Kant and Müller, Schleiermacher and Hegel, Schelling and Tillich7.1. The Kantian Legacy of Transcendental Selfhood7.2. Müller's Quasi-Origenist Non-universalism7.3. Schleiermacher on Universal Election and Human Solidarity7.4. Hegel as Rationalist and Esotericist7.5. Hegel and the Consummation of Absolute Spirit7.6. A Theological Critique of Hegel's Thought7.7. Schelling's Speculative Reinterpretation of Creation, Fall, and Redemption7.8. Tillich's "Half-Way Demythologization" of the Fall and Restoration of Souls7.9. Summary and Conclusions on German Thinkers8. Russian Thinkers: Solovyov, Berdyaev, Florovsky, and Bulgakov8.1. The Russian Background, I: Orthodoxy, Idealism, and Böhmism8.2. The Russian Background, II: Freemasonry and Esotericism8.3. Vladimir Solovyov and the Roots of Russian Sophiology8.4. Solovyov's Universalist Vision of "All-Unity"8.5. Nicolas Berdyaev and Hell's Irresolvable Paradoxes8.6. The Metaphysical Foundations of Sergius Bulgakov's Dogmatics8.7. Bulgakov and Florovsky in the Sophiological Debate8.8. Bulgakov's The Bride of the Lamb and the Arguments for Universalism8.9. Summary and Conclusions on Russian Thinkers9. Debating Universal Election: Karl Barth, Barth's Interpreters, Jürgen Moltmann, and the Post-1970s Kenotic-Relational Theologies9.1. Interpretive Prologue: Post-1960s Interpretations of Barth's Theology9.2. Biographical Prologue: Barth and the Hellfire Preacher in 19169.3. Barth on Election: An Overview9.4. Barth on Israel's Election and the Jewish People9.5. Barth on Election in the New Testament and Christian Tradition9.6. Barth on the Logos Asarkos and Eternal Godmanhood9.7. Barth on Nothingness (das Nichtige) and the "Impossibility" of Sin9.8. Barth's Interpreters on the Question of Universalism9.9. Barth's Ambiguous Legacy: From the 1950s to the 1980s9.10. Jürgen Moltmann and the God-with-Us in Suffering9.11. Evaluating Moltmann's Universalist Theology9.12. The Rise of Kenotic-Relational Theologies since the 1990s9.13. Apocalypse Now: Congdon's Neo-Bultmannian Universalism9.14. Summary and Conclusions on Barth, Moltmann, and Post-1970s Theologies10. Embracing Universal Hope: Karl Rahner, Hans Urs von Balthasar, and the Inclusivist, Plurocentrist, and Universalist Turns in Roman Catholicism10.1. Henri de Lubac and Catholic Debates on Nature and Grace10.2. Karl Rahner's "Anonymous Christians" and Post-Vatican II Theology10.3. The Ambitious and Ambiguous Cosmology of Teilhard de Chardin10.4. The Theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar: A General Sketch10.5. Balthasar's Roots: Church Fathers, Russian Thinkers, and Karl Barth10.6. Balthasar's Theological Relation to Adrienne von Speyr10.7. Balthasar's Theo-drama and the Idea of Urkenosis10.8. Balthasar on Eschatology Generally10.9. Balthasar's Dare We Hope? and Universal Salvation10.10. Summary and Conclusions on Roman Catholicism and Universalism11. New Theologies in the New Millennium: The Variety of Contemporary Universalisms11.1. Character of the New Millennium Universalist Literature11.2. Liberal and Esoteric Universalism: Gulley, Mulholland, and Pearson11.3. The Philosophical Universalism of Thomas Talbott11.4. The Evangelical Universalism of Robin Parry11.5. Evangelical Revisionism in Frank, Bell, and Kruger11.6. Pentecostal Preachers of Grace: Dunn, du Toit, Rabe, and Crowder11.7. Summary and Conclusions on Contemporary Universalisms12. The Eclipse of Grace: An Appraisal of Christian Universalism12.1. The Cumulative Argument: A Survey of Preceding Chapters12.2. The Problem of God in Christian Universalism12.3. The Problem of Grace in Christian Universalism12.4. The Problem of Belief in Christian Universalism12.5. Christian Universalism and the Challenge of Evil12.6. Christian Particularism and the Call to HopeAppendix A: Gnosis and Western Esotericism: Definitions and LineagesAppendix B: Zoroastrian EschatologyAppendix C: Anti-Origenist Declarations in the Early Church: From Alexandria, Jerusalem, Rome, and ConstantinopleAppendix D: Ramelli's The Christian Doctrine of Apokatastasis (2013)Appendix E: The Sefiroth: A Kabbalistic DiagramAppendix F: Universal Salvation in Islamic Teaching Islamic Eschatology and Qur'anic Teaching Philosophical Foundations in Ibn al-'Arabi Hell's Cooling and Final Salvation in Ibn al-'Arabi The Universalistic Theology of Jalal al-Din Rumi The Jurist Ibn Taymiyya and His Pupil Ibn QayyimAppendix G: Types of Christian UniversalismAppendix H: The Cosmic Saga: An Esoteric ViewAppendix I: Ultra-Dispensational UniversalismAppendix J: Words and Concepts for Time and EternityAppendix K: Mormon Teachings on God, Cosmos, and SalvationAppendix L: Barth and Bultmann on Romans 5Index of Ancient SourcesIndex of Subjects

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Book SynopsisChristianity Today 2023 Award of Merit (Apologetics & Evangelism) Critics outside the church often accuse the Old Testament God of genocide, racism, ethnic cleansing, and violence. But a rising tide of critics within the church claim that Moses and other "primitive," violence-prone prophets were mistaken about God's commands and character. Both sets of critics dismiss this allegedly harsh, flawed, "textual" Old Testament God in favor of the kind, compassionate, "actual" God revealed by Jesus. Are they right to do so? Following his popular book Is God a Moral Monster?, noted apologist Paul Copan confronts false, imbalanced teaching that is confusing and misleading many Christians. Copan takes on some of the most difficult Old Testament challenges and places them in their larger historical and theological contexts. He explores the kindness, patience, and compassion of God in the Old Testament and shows how Jesus in the New Testament reveals not only divine kindness but also divine severity. The book includes a detailed Scripture index of difficult and controversial passages and is helpful for anyone interested in understanding the flaws in these emerging claims that are creating a destructive gap between the Testaments.Table of ContentsContentsPart 1: The Great Divorce: How Wide the Divide between the Old and New Testaments?1. The Old Testament God: Critics from Without and from Within2. Is the God of the Old Testament the Same as the God of the New? (1): Marcion versus Moses3. Is the God of the Old Testament the Same as the God of the New?(2): Moses versus Jesus?4. Is the God of the Old Testament the Same as the God of theNew? (3): Moses versus Jesus? (Continued)Part 2: Lex Rex (the Law, the King): What Makes the Law of Moses So Special?5. "From Heaven or from Human Origin?" Is the Mosaic Law JustAnother Ancient Law Code?6. Multiple Sources and Late Dates? Does the Mosaic Law Have Multiple Authors? Was Fighting the Canaanites a Fiction from the Sixth Century BC?7. Differences between the Law of Moses and Ancient Near EasternLaws (1): The Biblical Vision and Worldview8. Differences between the Law of Moses and Ancient Near EasternLaws (2): Human Dignity, Relationship, and Equality9. Differences between the Law of Moses and Ancient Near EasternLaws (3): Poverty and WealthPart 3: Crime and Punishment:Violations and Penalties in Old Testament Law10. A Bit of Ancient Near Eastern Context11. Israel's Punishments as Nonliteral in the Pentateuch12. Israel's Punishments as Nonliteral in Old Testament HistoryPart 4: For Whom the Bell Tolls:Harsh Texts and Difficult Old Testament Questions13. How Was David "a Man after God's Own Heart"?14. Why Does God Harden People's Hearts?15. Divine Smitings (1): Noah's Flood, Egypt's Firstborn, Uzzah'sDeath16. Divine Smitings (2): Elisha and the Bears, and Punishing Childrento the Third and Fourth Generations17. "Bashing Babies against the Rock"? Imprecatory Psalms in the Old Testament18. "Let His Homestead Be Made Desolate": Imprecatory Psalms inthe New Testament19. Loving Jacob, Hating Esau? Putting Divine and Human Hatred inPerspectivePart 5: Of Human Bondage:Women and Servants in Israelite Society20. Is the Old Testament Really Misogynistic and Patriarchal?21. Espousing Multiple Wives? Revisiting the Matter of Polygamy22. Other Troubling Texts about Women: The Nameless Concubine,the Question of War Rape23. "Servants" in Israel: Persons or Property?24. The "Acquisition" of "Foreign Slaves" (1): A Deeper Dive intoLeviticus 25 00025. The "Acquisition" of "Foreign Slaves" (2): Two Objections and theRunaway OptionPart 6: War and Peace:Warfare and Violence in the Old Testament (and the New)26. Jesus Loves Canaanites--andIsraelites Too: "Jesus 101" and theOld Testament's "Dark Texts"27. "We Left No Survivors": Exaggeration Rhetoric in Israel's War Texts28. Revisiting the Translation of Herem: "Utter Destruction," "Consecration," "Identity Removal," "Removal from Ordinary Use"?29. Deuteronomy's Intensified Rhetoric and the Use of Haram30. Did the Israelites "Cruelly Invade" the Land of Canaan?31. The "Actual" God in Old Testament WarfarePart 7: The Heart of the Matter:The Summing Up of All Things in Christ32. "God Is Christlike, and in Him There Is No Un-Christlikeness at All": Our Critics from Within33. Our Critics from Without (1): Two Important Questions34. Our Critics from Without (2): Five Big StepsQuestions for Small GroupsIndexes

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Book SynopsisOutreach 2023 Resource of the Year (Church) Named One of Fifteen Important Theology Books of 2022, Englewood Review of Books Churches and their leaders have innovation fever. Innovation seems exciting--a way to enliven tired institutions, embrace creativity, and be proactive--and is a superstar of the business world. But this focus on innovation may be caused by an obsession with contemporary relevance, creativity, and entrepreneurship that inflates the self, lacks theological depth, and promises burnout. In this follow-up to Churches and the Crisis of Decline, leading practical theologian Andrew Root delves into the problems of innovation. He explores where innovation and entrepreneurship came from, shows how they break into church circles, and counters the "new imaginations" like neoliberalism and technology that hold the church captive to modernity. Root reveals the moral visions of the self that innovation and entrepreneurship deliver--they are dependent on workers (and consumers) being obsessed with their selves, which leads to significant faith-formation issues. This focus on innovation also causes us to think we need to be singularly unique instead of made alive in Christ. Root offers a return to mysticism and the poetry of Meister Eckhart as a healthier spiritual alternative. This is the fifth book in Root's Ministry in a Secular Age series.Table of ContentsContents1. Only the Creative Survive: How Mission Became Married toInnovation2. We're All Sandwich Artists Now: Work and Backwash, Reversing a Historical Flow3. Hungry, Hungry Markets: Workers in Contradiction, Children inConsumption4. Let's Get Extra: Exploring the Secular Contradiction of Capitalism5. Leave It to Management: Managing for Permanent Innovation6. The Viennese Worm That Exposes the True Self: When Work Becomes about Flexible Projects7. Justification by Creative Works Alone: When Creativity Becomes King, the Self Becomes a Star8. Why You're Not That Special but Feel the Need to Be: Singularity and the Self9. Standing Naked against Money10. The Three Amigos of the Mystical Path: How the Self Is Freed from Singularity11. Aesthetic Epiphanies, Mad Poets, and a Humble Example of What This All Looks LikeIndex

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Book SynopsisKarl Barth is one of the most influential theologians of the 20th century. His work is considered essential reading for nearly every student of theology. Reading Barth's theology poses a challenge, however, because of the sheer size of his corpus, the complexity of his claims, and the distance between his context and the context of his readers. In this accessible introduction, a respected scholar in Barthian studies offers a one-stop resource on Barth's thought, providing a selection of his most important writings, critical commentary, and detailed introductory and concluding chapters.Table of ContentsContents1. Introduction: The Life of Karl BarthPart 1: Barth's Theological Development2. The Epistle to the Romans3. The Word of God as the Task of Theology4. An Answer to Professor Adolf von Harnack5. The Resurrection of the Dead6. The Göttingen Dogmatics7. The Holy Spirit and the Christian Life8. Preface to Church Dogmatics I/19. Farewell10. The Humanity of GodPart 2: Barth's Church Dogmatics11. The Task of Dogmatics12. The Word of God13. Revelation and Faith14. The Doctrine of the Trinity15. The Missions of the Son and the Spirit16. The Knowledge of God17. The Reality of God18. The Doctrine of Election19. The Election of Jesus Christ20. God's Decision for the World21. Covenant and Creation22. The Covenant Partner of God23. God and Nothingness24. God with Us25. The Obedience of the Son of God26. The Exaltation of the Son of Man27. The Glory of the Mediator28. The Scope of Salvation29. Christian CommunityPart 3: Barth's Political Engagement30. A Brief Reminiscence of the 1920s31. Sermon on Romans 15:5-1332. The Barmen Theological Declaration33. The Role of Christians in Wartime: A Letter to American Christians34. The Community of Christians and the Community of CitizensConclusion: The Tradition of Karl BarthIndex

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Book SynopsisThis introductory theology text helps students articulate basic Christian doctrines, think theologically so they can act Christianly in a diverse world, and connect Christian thought to their everyday lives of faith. Written from a solidly evangelical yet ecumenically aware perspective, this book models a way of doing theology that is generous and charitable. It attends to history and contemporary debates and features voices from the global church. Sidebars made up of illustrative quotations, key Scripture passages, classic hymn texts, and devotional poetry punctuate the chapters. The first edition of this book has been well received (over 25,000 copies sold). Updated and revised throughout, this second edition also includes a new section on gender and race as well as new end-of-chapter material connecting each doctrine to a spiritual discipline.Table of ContentsIntroduction: To Practice Doctrine1. Speaking of God: Theology and the Christian Life2. Knowing God: Doctrines of Revelation and Scripture3. The God We Worship: Doctrine of the Trinity4. A Delightful World: Doctrines of Creation and Providence5. Reflecting God's Image: Theological Anthropology6. The Personal Jesus Christ: Christology7. The Saving Work of Jesus Christ: Soteriology8. The Holy Spirit and the Christian Life: Pneumatology9. One Church in a Diverse World: Ecclesiology10. Resurrection Hope: EschatologyBenediction: A Prayer for the Practice of Christian DoctrineIndexes

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Book SynopsisAn author on the cutting edge of today's theology and science discussions argues that creedal Christianity has much to contribute to the ongoing conversation. This book contains an intellectual history of theology's engagement with science during the modern period, critiques current approaches, and makes a constructive proposal for how a Christian theological vision of natural knowledge can be better pursued. The author explains that it is good both for religion and for science when Christians treat theology as their first truth discourse. Foreword by David Bentley Hart.Table of ContentsContentsForeword by David Bentley HartIntroduction: A Christian Theology of Science1. Starting Definitions of Christian Theology and of Science2. Viewing Christian Theology through the Truth Lens of Science3. Christian Theology as a First Truth Discourse4. Viewing Science through the Truth Lens of Christian Theology5. The Remarkable Reversal--Revisiting History6. Thinking "After" Science but Not "After" Christian Theology7. Rediscovering Christian Theological Epistemology8. Myth and History--the Fall and Science9. Recovering an Integrative ZoneEpilogue: The Future?GlossaryIndex

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Book SynopsisCommon Grace is often considered Abraham Kuyper's crowning work, an exploration of how God expresses grace even to the unsaved. Kuyper firmly believed that though many people in the world will remain unconverted, God's grace is still shown to the world as a whole. The second volume of Common Grace contains Kuyper's doctrinal exploration of the impact and implications of this aspect of Reformed theology. Never before published in English, this translation Common Grace is now available as part of a 12-volume series of Kuyper's most important writings on public theology. Created in partnership with the Kuyper Translation Society and the Acton Institute, the Abraham Kuyper Collected Works in Public Theology will deepen and enrich the church's understanding of public theology in today's world.

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Book SynopsisAbraham Kuyper firmly believed that Jesus Christ is King not just of Christians, but of the entire cosmos. In volume two of Pro Rege, he continues his analysis of the extent to which Christ rules--first in the human heart, then in the life of the church, and continuing to the life of the Christian family. Kuyper believed that it was nonsense to distinguish between life inside and outside of church walls. Here, he shows that although Jesus' kingship has been denied and denigrated, Christ still exerts his power in the world through his people. This new translation of Pro Rege, created in partnership with the Abraham Kuyper Translation Society and the Acton Institute, is part of a major series of new translations of Kuyper's most important writings. The Abraham Kuyper Collected Works in Public Theology marks a historic moment in Kuyper studies, aimed at deepening and enriching the church's development of public theology.

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Book SynopsisWhat is the relationship between the church and the state? Dutch politician and Christian activist Abraham Kuyper was deeply invested in debates over the influence Christianity should have on his nation. As a pastor and theologian, he was just as concerned about the ailing Dutch church. In On the Church, the Acton Institute and the Abraham Kuyper Translation Society have partnered with Lexham Press to publish seven brand-new translations of Kuyper's most influential essays and speeches on the relationship between Christianity and the world. Kuyper believed that Christians must neither hide from the world behind the walls of physical church buildings nor engage the world solely through earthly institutions. The introductory essay by Ad de Bruijne discusses how Kuyper's incisive view of the church still can--and must--apply today, just as it did at the turn of the 20th century.

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Book SynopsisThis comprehensive theology of the Holy Spirit examines and explains the role of the third member of the Trinity.

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Book SynopsisThis singular, comprehensive treatment of one of Christianity's essential doctrines gives definitive, Bible-based answers about salvation and the cross—and about related theological issues such as grace and regeneration.

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Book SynopsisDrawing from God’s self-revelation in Exodus 34, Hamilton moves through the Bible book by book, showing that there is one theological center to the whole Bible: God’s glory in salvation through judgment.

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Book SynopsisThe global pandemic has levied a heavy toll on humanity, but in its wake appears a great opportunity. Amidst what he calls a crisis of modernity, Giulio Maspero points to a phenomenon that can be seen in plain sight. "The absence of personal relationships highlighted by the health crisis exposes the consequences of the modern matrix, which, having lost its Christian element, now risks transforming itself into a digital matrix, substantially configuring itself as a technognosis." Without Trinitarian framework ancient and new idols emerge, as the Covid-19 tragedies have shown. Yet post-pandemic must be a moment of clarity and realism, as we can see how necessary it is that humanity place itself in relation to something beyond. The post-modern journey, however, must be in the spirit of Christian humanism or else any so-called progress will no longer be unable to speak authentically of our humanity. That is to say, the relational dimension of human life will be erased right along with the other ills that plague our earth.

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Book SynopsisEric Voegelin (1901–1985) is widely regarded as one of the greatest political philosophers of the 20th century, yet adequate understanding of his writings stands as a challenge for current and future generations. Voegelin’s thought continued to develop at a rapid pace during the last two decades of his life, and as Ellis Sandoz has written, his work found “not only its final but its most profound expression” during this period. Voegelin’s fame stemmed mostly from his many books and the laudatory review articles published in response to them, but he was “preeminently an essayist,” as Sandoz observes. The meditative analyses and essays written in the culminating phase of Voegelin’s career not only expand and deepen his work as a whole, but also revise central components of it in ways that compel reconsideration of even his most widely read texts. Voegelin’s books gave rise to a vast secondary literature that continues to grow, yet the exceptionally impactful late essays and meditative works have never received the scholarly commentaries they deserve because they were published originally as journal articles or chapters in edited collections. This volume remedies that shortcoming with 14 critical analyses that elucidate the late essays while also addressing their implications for the entirety of Voegelin’s thought. The commentaries will prove invaluable to students and scholars in political science, philosophy, history, theology, and other disciplines, serving as a companion piece to the singularly important Vol. 12 of Voegelin’s Collected Works, Published Essays 1966–1985.Trade ReviewEric Voegelin’s life work is best understood as a “zetema,” a philosopher’s life-long quest for truth, one that underwent substantial changes during the final phase of his quest. As Michael Franz explains in his Introduction, Voegelin’s last essays have not received the critical attention they deserve, yet they contain the most refined formulations of his thought. Franz has succeeded in enlisting scholars thoroughly aquatinted with Voegelin’s voluminous publications who are well qualified to analyze the theoretical advances in these last essays and relate them to the better-known, previous stages of his exploration of orders and disorders of the soul and of society. —Stephen A. McKnight, Professor Emeritus of European Intellectual and Cultural History, University of FloridaEric Voegelin was the most important political philosopher of the twentieth century. He not only stood up for liberal democracy and common sense against both Hitler and Stalin, working to understand the experiences that gave rise to their followings. Although his fully mature writings moved on from an early tendency to attribute many modern political and spiritual ills to a pattern of thinking he called “gnosticism,” many readers still tend to interpret his thought as centered on this outdated concept, which Voegelin himself later left behind. The analyses in this volume focus on essays representing his most developed and profound thought, offering us a more rounded understanding and enabling us to see how Voegelin can help us address the political and spiritual challenges of our present time. —Eugene Webb, Professor Emeritus, The Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies, University of WashingtonTable of ContentsIntroduction: Michael Franz Chapter 1: Voegelin’s “The German University and the Order of German Society: A Reconsideration of the Nazi Era" – Barry Cooper Chapter 2: Voegelin’s On Debate and Existence” – Steven F. McGuire Chapter 3: Voegelin’s "Immortality: Experience and Symbol" – Henrik Syse Chapter 4: Voegelin’s “Configurations of History” – Paul Kidder Chapter 5: Voegelin’s “Equivalences of Experience and Symbolization in History” – Glenn Hughes Chapter 6: Voegelin‘s “On Henry James’s Turn of the Screw” – Charles R. Embry Chapter 7: Voegelin’s “The Gospel and Culture” – Thomas Heilke Chapter 8: Voegelin’s “On Hegel: A Study in Sorcery” – David Walsh Chapter 9: Voegelin’s “On Classical Studies” – Julianne M. Romanello Chapter 10: Voegelin’s “Reason: The Classic Experience” – William Petropulos Chapter 11: Voegelin’s “Response to Professor Altizer” – Paulette Kidder Chapter 12: Voegelin’s “Remembrance of Things Past” – Paul Kidder Chapter 13: Voegelin’s "Wisdom and the Magic of the Extreme: A Meditation” – Michael Franz Chapter 14: Voegelin’s “Quod Deus Dicitur” — Thomas Heilke with Paul Caringella Index

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Book SynopsisIn this introduction to ecclesiology, respected scholars Brad Harper and Paul Louis Metzger offer a solidly evangelical yet ecumenical survey of the church in mission and doctrine. Combining biblical, historical, and cultural analysis, this comprehensive text explores the church as a Trinitarian, eschatological, worshiping, sacramental, serving, ordered, cultural, and missional community. It also offers practical application, addressing contemporary church life issues such as women in ministry, evangelism, social action, consumerism in church growth trends, ecumenism, and the church in postmodern culture. The book will appeal to all who are interested in church doctrine, particularly undergraduates and seminarians.Table of ContentsIntroduction1. The Church as a Trinitarian Community: The Being-Driven Church2. The Trinitarian Church Confronts American Individualism3. The Church as an Eschatological Community4. Eschatology, the Church, and Ecology5. The Church as a Worshipping Community6. The Worshipping Church Engages Culture7. The Church as a Sacramental Community8. Sacraments and the Search for the Holy Grail9. The Church as a Serving Community10. Church Discipline--The Lost Element of Service11. The Church as an Ordered Community12. The Role of Women in the Ordered Community13. The Church as a Cultural Community: Christ, Culture, and the Sermon on the Mount Community14. Getting Past the Ghettoizing of the Gospel in Today's Culture15. The Church as a Missional Community: The Being-Driven Church16. From Building Programs to Building God's Missional KingdomA Postmodern PostscriptRecommended ReadingsAppendix: Types of Ecclesiology

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Book SynopsisWhether in the cafeteria, classroom, or dorm lounge, questions abound on college campuses. Not only do students grapple with existential issues but they also struggle with ethical ones such as "Why be moral?" In Introducing Moral Theology, William Mattison addresses this question as well as grapples with the impact that religious belief has on day-to-day living. Structured in two parts, this unique text on Catholic moral theology covers cardinal virtues (temperance, prudence, fortitude, and justice) as well as theological virtues (faith, hope, and love). It is equipped with study questions, terms and their definitions, and illustrative case studies. Rooted in the Catholic tradition, this overview will also appeal to non-Catholics interested in virtue ethics.Table of ContentsIntroduction1. Morality, Happiness, and the "Good Life": How Do I Live My Life, and Why Do I Live That Way?2. Intentions, Good Acts, and Human Freedom3. Why Virtue? The Moral Life as More Than Actions4. The Virtue of Temperance: Living a Passionate Moral Life5. The Virtue of Prudence: Knowing the Truth and Living It6. Alcohol and American College Life: Test Case One7. The Virtue of Justice and Justice in Waging War8. Using the Atom Bomb in World War II: Test Case Two9. The Virtue of Fortitude and the Unity of the Virtues10. A Transition: Actions, Practices, and Big-Picture Beliefs about the Way Things Are11. The Virtue of Faith: Answering Big-Picture Questions12. Sin: Corruption of Human Happiness13. The Virtue of Hope: Eternity in This Life and the Next14. Jesus Christ: Incarnation and Life in Christ15. The Virtue of Charity: The Form of the Christian Life16. Grace: The Gift of the Holy Spirit for the Virtuous Life17. Chastity and Nonmarital Sex: Test Case Three18. Euthanasia: Test Case FourEpilogue: Praying for VirtuesIndex

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Book SynopsisA growing number of powerful arguments have been formulated by philosophers and logicians in recent years demonstrating that the existence of God is improbable. These arguments assume that God's existence is possible but argue that the weight of the empirical evidence is against God's actual existence. This unique anthology collects most of the important arguments for the improbability of God that have been published since the mid-1900s. The editors make each argument clear and accessible by providing a helpful summary. In addition, they arrange this diverse collection of arguments for the improbability of God into four thematic groups: Part 1 contains cosmological arguments based on the weight of the evidence relative to the origin of the universe; Part 2 presents teleological arguments based on the weight of the evidence relative to the order in the universe; Part 3 deals with inductive evil arguments based on the weight of the evidence relative to the widespread and horrendous evil in the world; and Part 4 contains nonbelief arguments based on the weight of the evidence relative to the widespread nonbelief or the reasonable nonbelief in the world. The list of distinguished authors includes William Rowe, Theodore Drange, Quentin Smith, Victor Stenger, J. L. Schellenberg, and Michael Martin, among others. With this new anthology as a companion to their earlier anthology, The Impossibility of God (2003), Martin and Monnier have created an indispensable resource in the philosophy of religion.Table of ContentsPart 1: Cosmological Arguments Against the Existence of God; Part 2: Theological Arguments Against the Existence of God; Part 3: Inductive Evil Arguments Against the Existence of God; Part 4: Non-Belief Arguments Against the Existence of God.

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Book SynopsisAs defined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed.The African spiritual principle of Ubuntu offers believers a new and radical way of reading the Gospel and understanding the heart of the Christian faith, and this new book explores the meaning and utility of Ubuntu as applied to Western philosophies, faith, and lifestyles.Ubuntu is an African way of seeing self-identity formed -through community. This is a difficult worldview for many Western people, who understand self as over, against, or in competition with others. In the Western viewpoint, Ubuntu becomes something to avoid—a kind of co-dependency. As a Christian leader who understands the need, intricacies, and delicate workings of global interdependency, Battle offers here both a refreshing worldview and a new perspective of self-identity for people across cultures, and of all faiths.Trade Review“Michael’s book helps us all to see that we are all inextricably linked together. We forget this at our peril. The good news, however, is that God’s love will not leave us alone. It is my prayer that, in the same way, Ubuntu will not leave us alone.”—Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize-winner and retired archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa “If the community of the holy people of God is about nothing else, we must be about truly loving our neighbors as ourselves. We must understand and celebrate our inextricable links to each other always walking with Jesus our Beloved. This book is an offering to the holy people of God at the 76th General Convention. It is an introduction to a way of life that asks us to venture together into a new understanding of individualism and community.”—Bonnie Anderson, D.D., President, The House of Deputies “With each chapter of this timely and compelling volume, Michael strains time and again—and ever more urgently—to have us see as he has seen, to hear as he has heard, to feel as he now feels, to sense more intuitively, to internalize more instinctively, to actualize more spontaneously, the blindingly simple yet inexplicably elusive Gospel imperative to love one another. He does so as a teacher, with all the compassion and grace, passion and delight, tenderness and thoughtfulness, love and humility—that is, with the spirit, the life force. Indeed that is the essence of Ubuntu.”—Jenny Plane Te Paa, a theologian and dean of St. John’s College in Auckland, New Zealand

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