Search results for ""spck publishing""

All of us will be familiar with supporting friends, family and colleagues through the ups and downs of relationships. But could some of the more difficult times of argument and conflict be more than general relationship issues? Is there something more sinister going on? Over the course of a lifetime, 30% of women and 16% of men will be subjected to abuse by a partner, yet so many of us are unsure exactly what constitutes domestic abuse, and wouldn't know how to react if we, or one of our friends or family, found ourselves in a relationship with an abuser. Natalie Collins is the perfect guide to lead you through this subject, amassing over a decade's experience leading workshops, raising awareness and capturing national media attention in her work against domestic abuse. Highly readable, invaluably insightful and steeped in theological insight, Natalie starts right from the basics, exploring what domestic abuse is, why it is perpetrated and the impact it has on children and adults. Filled with case studies, including Natalie's own story, this book offers much-needed advice on how we can address domestic abuse, both as individuals and as a church community.

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Vital reading for anyone who wants to create communications that cause people to act.' Matt Barlow, CEO, CAP When facing a red light, what can you say to turn it green? Hooking an audience? Sweating in a job interview? The results of what you say aren’t coincidence. Whether you persuade, or not, is down to whether you use the right prompts. The Centre Brain – the body’s action centre – responds to what it hears. And, if the right prompts are used, the brain can be persuaded to act. This book explains why your communication works, or doesn’t. Why you prompt action, or don’t. The result of a 20-year quest to discover what prompts action, this book offers readers a glimpse into the story behind their stories. Combining psychological insight, real-life experience and inspiring application, this book will empower you to really make the most of your message. 'This book will help you get to the heart of what makes people and their communication persuasive.' Ram Gidoomal CBE, international businessman

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The following historical statements all appear in well-established textbooks, and have become part of our common culture. Which of them would you say are true? * The Catholic Church incited and actively colluded in nearly two millennia of anti-Semitic violence, and Pope Pius XII is still rightfully known as ‘Hitler’s Pope’. * Only recently have we become aware of ancient and remarkably enlightened Christian gospels, which narrow-minded Catholic authorities tried to suppress. * Once in power as the official Church of Rome, Christians quickly and brutally persecuted paganism out of existence. * The fall of Rome and the ascendancy of the Church precipitated Europe’s decline into a millennium of ignorance and backwardness, which lasted until the Renaissance. * Initiated by the pope, the Crusades were but the first bloody chapter in the history of unprovoked and brutal Christian colonialism. * The Spanish Inquisition tortured and murdered huge numbers of innocent people for ‘imaginary’ crimes, such as witchcraft and blasphemy. * The Catholic Church persecuted and tried to suppress scientists such as Galileo, and the Scientific ‘Revolution’ therefore occurred mainly in more tolerant Protestant societies. * Being entirely comfortable with slavery, the Catholic Church did nothing to oppose its introduction in the New World, or to make it more humane. * Until very recently, Catholicism’s hierarchical view of the ideal state has resulted in its bitter resistance to all efforts to establish more liberal governments and its eager support for right-wing dictators. * It was the Protestant Reformation that broke the repressive Catholic grip on progress and ushered in capitalism, religious freedom and the modern world. In this powerful and persuasive book Rodney Stark subjects these and other widely-held beliefs to a rigorous historical assessment. He gives a compelling account of how each of them became accepted as the conventional wisdom, how egotism and ideology often worked together to create false or highly distorted pictures of people and events, and how we need to work hard to recover the truth if we’re to undo the cultural damage that centuries of anti-Catholic history has done.

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Moses knows his people are in trouble. Plucked from the River Nile, he’s a shy guy sent by God to get the Israelites back on track. And what an escape plan – free tickets for all on the Exodus Express! Will nasty Pharaoh stop them in their tracks? Or will they make it through the Red Sea channel tunnel to the promised land? This beautifully illustrated, rhyming retelling of the story of Moses will entertain young children and adults alike.

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At Oxford University in the 1970s, Alister McGrath faced a crisis when he realized that his scientific atheism made less sense of reality than the ‘big picture’ offered by Christianity. A reluctant convert, he was astonished by the delight he found in exploring a previously unknown world of ideas. Crucial to his understanding have been the Christian Creeds, which he regards as maps to the landscape of faith. His hope in this volume is that we too may grasp comprehensively the treasure to which they point: the living God, who is the ground of our existence; Jesus Christ who journeys with us; the Holy Spirit who offers us reassurance and affirmation on the way. Drawing on the theology of popular writers like C. S. Lewis, G. K. Chesterton and Dorothy L. Sayers, and full of stories and illustrations, this vivid portrayal of the imaginative power and vision of Christianity will prove invaluable to clergy, church leaders, theological students – and all who long to expand their understanding and love of God.

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‘If the English people were to be set a test to justify their history and civilization by the example of one man, then it is Sir Thomas More whom they would perhaps choose.’ So commented The Times in 1978 on the 500th anniversary of More’s birth. Twenty-two years later, Pope John Paul II proclaimed Thomas More the patron saint of politicians and people in public life, on the basis of his ‘constant fidelity to legitimate authority and . . . his intention to serve not power but the supreme ideal of justice’. In this fresh assessment of More’s life and legacy, John Guy considers the factors that have given rise to such claims concerning More’s significance. Who was the real Thomas More? Was he the saintly, self-possessed hero of conscience of Robert Bolt’s A Man for All Seasons or was he the fanatical, heretic-hunting torturer of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall? Which of these images of More has the greater historical veracity? And why does this man continue to fascinate, inspire and provoke us today?

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From the pen of a great historian, here is the most accessible and affordable one-volume history of Christianity you can buy. As well providing a masterly panoramic survey of the religion itself, Professor Blainey keeps you informed about the social and economic forces that influenced it, making fascinating connections with politics, literature, popular culture, other religions and wider historical events along the way. The result is a vivid account of the world’s largest religion, packed with illuminating insights into the ideas and achievements of some of the most powerful people and movements that have shaped our world right up to the present day.

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Making the Most of Your Child's Baptism is a short full colour guide for parents bringing their child for baptism in the Church of England. In this baptism guide you'll find a full explanation of the baptism service, its meaning and symbolism. Making the Most of Your Child's Baptism is ideal for anglican churches to gift to parents who ask for their children to be baptised. It follows the Common Worship Baptism service and is full colour throughout, making it attractive for parents and godparents as they prepare for their child's baptism. Aimed at those not familiar with church, Making the Most of Your Child's Baptism is structured around the service itself and includes questions to think about and follow up activities for parents, godparents and children.

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Nick Page's bestselling Tabloid Bible is back by popular demand, and now in full colour and complete with sidebars of shame. The Tabloid Bible tells both well-known and obscure Bible stories as the newspapers and websites of the day might have covered them. ATISHOO! ATISHOO! WALL FALL DOWN! Insurers refuse payouts over Jericho wall collapse. "Aggressive trumpet playing is not covered," they say. ARKING MAD! Nutty Noah builds the world's biggest boat in his garden. "I'm sure he doesn't have planning permission," says irate neighbour. KEEP TAKING THE TABLETS. Moses brings maxims from the mountain! TOWER OF BABEL COLLAPSES. "!ccyshhibothuth mi varg," says suddenly incomprehensible builder. ARMAGEDDON OUT OF HERE! Gigantic explosion splits earth.

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Robin Gill sensitively examines the various explanations that theologians offer to the problem of why the world contains so much innocent suffering. A book for all who want to believe in God but struggle to do so in the face of the pointless cruelty that appears to be built into God’s creation.

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A valuable new companion journal to the bestselling Breathing Under Water! We are all addicted to something, according to Franciscan Father Richard Rohr. This Companion Journal can help you work your way through the wisdom of the twelve-step program as outlined in Breathing Under Water, so you may determine the source of, and solution for, your own addictions. Containing reflections, discussion questions and room to write notes, this Journal encourages you to explore the process in a way that’s relevant and meaningful for you. ‘A must-read for any person who recognises the need to go "inward" on their soul’s journey to question what their relationship is with God, themselves, and others.’ The Cord ‘Richard Rohr continues to guide us to greater wholeness . . . his books have helped countless souls, especially those who struggle with issues of brokenness and seek transformation.’ National Catholic Reporter

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For many people, the crucifixion of Jesus by the Romans is just another tragic fact of history – a cruel travesty of justice, perhaps, but nothing more. But for Christians the death of Jesus has a much deeper and far-reaching significance. Jane Williams examines the reasons why Jesus' death was seen by his first followers as nothing less than the demonstration of God's love for his creation, and the means by which we all can find forgiveness and redemption, both now and in the world to come.

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Drawing on a collection of lectures that Tom Wright delivered from 1999 to 2015, God in Public brings together the message of Jesus – in its larger biblical context – and the challenges of the contemporary public and political worlds. Those new to Tom Wright will find this book an ideal introduction into his writings. In this book, Wright challenges the west’s response to 9/11 and then expands to discuss a more Jesus inspired way of approaching the public problems we find ourselves in, based on the following Jesus’ life and teachings. Questions such as: What has Christianity to do with power? Why must the church remind those in authority of their responsibilities? And What can Christians do to act as the voice of the voiceless? Are central in this book as Wright demonstrates the many ways in which faithful exegesis of scripture can throw fresh light – God’s light – on the great philosophical and ethical problems of our day.

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Rowan Williams explores the essentials of Paul's thought for complete beginners - as well as for those who've read Paul's letters many times before and want to see them in a fresh light. Written at a highly accessible level, this book would make a perfect gift for anyone thinking about confirmation, while also appealing to people who are curious as to why Paul has had such a profound influence on Christian history and belief. Questions for reflection or group discussion are provided for each chapter. The book also features a reading guide that includes a reflection and prayer for each of the seven weeks of Lent.

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This elegantly written biography offers the most intimate, detailed, rounded and supremely human portrait yet painted of the great Christian thinker and martyr. Draws on writings only recently made accessible - including the correspondence between Bonhoeffer and his teen-age fiancé, Maria von Wedemeyer. Fresh insights into the duplicity into which Bonhoeffer was drawn, with intriguing quotes from the bogus diary and letters he composed to distract the Gestapo from his real activities. Packed with fascinating extracts from Bonhoeffer's own letters and papers, creating a vivid sense of the momentous times in which he lived, and of his innermost thoughts and feelings at any given moment.

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The Church is very good at inviting or challenging people to love their neighbours. It is not so strong on encouraging us to love ourselves. This book illuminates the healing truth that encountering the love of God sets us free to live as we were intended to live – loving ourselves and those around us. Through Bible passages, stories and exercises, the authors encourage us to throw off the sense of apprehension that bothers so many, and to enjoy living to the full in God’s exhilarating company.

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Tom Wright has completed a tremendous task: to provide comprehensive guides to all the books of the New Testament, and to furnish them with his own fresh translation of the entire text. Making use of his true scholar's understanding, yet writing in an approachable and anecdotal style, Wright captures the urgency and excitement of Matthew's Gospel in a way few writers have. Each short passage is followed by a highly readable commentary with helpful background information. A glossary is included at the back of the book. The series is suitable for group study, personal study, or daily devotions.

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Writing in an accessible and anecdotal style, Tom Wright helps us to approach the rich and many-sided story of the book of Acts. Wright shows how the book builds on Luke's gospel, laying out the continuing work and teaching of the now risen and ascended Jesus in the power of the Spirit. His writing captures the vivid way in which Luke's work draws us all into the story, while leaving the ending open and challenging, inviting Christians today to pick up and carry on the story as we in turn live our lives in the service of Jesus. Tom Wright has undertaken a tremendous task to provide guides to all the books of the New Testament, and to furnish them with his own fresh translation of the entire text. Each short passage is followed by a highly readable discussion, with background information, useful interpretation and explanation, and thoughts as to how it can be relevant to our lives today. No knowledge of technical jargon is required. A glossary is included at the back of the book. The series is suitable for personal or group use. The format makes it appropriate also for daily study.

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He loves the tango, was trained as a Chemist, and in his youth he had a regular girlfriend whom he planned to marry. For a pope, Francis has an unusual life story. Drawing on conversations, interviews, inside information and the Pope's own writings and talks, A Call to Serve offers first-hand information, moving reflections, and profound insights into the life and character of Jorge Bergoglio, his ministry in Buenos Aires, the challenges he faces in Rome, and his vision for renewing the church and serving the world. Over one hundred and fifty full-colour photographs accompany the Pope's remarkable story, capturing key moments and people in his upbringing and former life in Argentina. They also chronicle the historic events surrounding the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and the extraordinary series of surprises that followed the election of the first pope from the Americas.

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Stephen Cherry's latest book is a sequence of beautifully crafted prayer-meditations, providing simple yet profound spiritual nourishment for the Lenten season. The book gives an engaging introduction to the different ways that prayer can work in the lives of the busiest of Christians. Barefoot Prayers is ideal for people who may have little time for sitting and reading but more time for thinking and reflecting.

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The Body and the Spirit, though, roughly speaking, being in the same place they are almost always separated from each other in Christian thought. The body is painted as something bad, frail, coarsely corporeal and ruled by "the flesh" (which is always pronounced with parental disdain, as if it were a bad influence on an otherwise good child). Whereas the Spirit is pure, lofty, and Good, and that you can only really connect with God with what is inside. But is it fair to separate 'Spirituality' from the Body? Following up 'Heaven', her bestselling and highly praised look at how we see heaven and how the Bible depicts it, Paula Gooder explores key Biblical concepts of the Body before moving on to examine what Paul taught in the New Testament. That actually we need to take a different look at what is meant by the Body. With careful scholarship, thoughtful reflection on Biblical passages, and an stylistic approach like that of 'Heaven', which The Times Literary Supplement called "a fine example of careful biblical scholarship made accessible and exciting", Body isn't just a book for the brain. Neither is it a book to feed the Spirit. It's a book for the person. The whole person.

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Clergy have a pivotal role in creating and nurturing church communities in which all people can grow up into Christ. This book explores the nature of that role by considering key similarities with the essential but often conflicting demands of motherhood. Like mothers, clergy need to preserve and hold people faithfully, while encouraging them to grow, take initiatives and become more confident and self-supporting. This book will help clergy to think about how this is achieved through the myriad of 'small' things they do from day to day, highlighting skills such as comforting, cherishing and multi-attending - skills that are centrally important but often unarticulated and undervalued.

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Talking about ethics tends to involve talking about what we should or, more often, shouldn't do. We talk about setting limits on actions that, for whatever reason, we think are either wrong or somehow harmful to ourselves or others. The aim of this book, however, is to explore Christian ethics within a wider, more positive framework - one that that views Christianity's moral resources as part of the good news that it proclaims to all creation. Ethics, says Hovey, need not be characterized primarily by negative prohibitions, limits, and tiresome hand-wringing. Rather, it's about a joyful and worshipful way of living, which flows naturally out of the abundant goodness God's life and character, as revealed in Jesus.

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Explores the deepest questions of identity, spirituality and meaning. In Falling Upward (and many of his other teachings), Richard Rohr talks at length about the False Self and how it gets in the way of spiritual maturity, especially if its preoccupations continue into the second half of life. Here he focuses on the True Self, which he likens to a diamond, buried deep within us, formed under the intense pressure of our lives, needing to be searched for, uncovered and separated from all the debris of ego that surrounds it. In a sense True Self must, like Jesus, be resurrected, and that process is not resuscitation but transformation. 'For a growing number of us, reading Richard Rohr is like sitting around the tribal fire, listening to the village elder give words to that which we've always known to be true, we just didn't know how.' Rob Bell, pastor and author of Love Wins

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· Is it possible to love the Bible and affirm evolution? · Does belief in heaven mean there’s no need to worry about climate change? · Should Christians avoid getting involved in worldly concerns like politics? Acclaimed byNewsweekas ‘the world’s leading New Testament scholar’, Tom Wright conveys his knowledge in terms that excite and challenge Christians of all persuasions, allowing them to see the Bible in a fresh and surprising light. In this sparkling collection of popular essays, sermons and talks, Wright provides a series of case studies that show how the Bible can be applied to some of the most pressing issues facing Christians today.

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Throughout history, Christians have expressed their faith through story. They created texts featuring important early Christian figures - like Jesus, Peter, Paul, Mary Magdalene, and Judas - to express their relationships to God and to the world around them. Some of these texts are found in today's New Testament, but there is a wide assortment of other texts that are not included in the Bible. This book offers readers a guide to the Christian Apocrypha, beginning with a description of scholars' efforts to recover and reconstruct the texts, followed by examinations of a number of key texts. It responds to a number of misconceptions and common questions about the Apocrypha and finishes with a discussion of the enduring value of the Christian Apocrypha.

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This engaging companion volume to N. T. Wright's Paul and the Faithfulness of God is essential reading for all with a serious interest in Paul, the interpretation of his letters, his appropriation by subsequent thinkers, and his continuing significance today. In the course of this masterly survey Wright asks searching questions of all of the major contributions to Pauline studies since the early twentieth century.

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Lists can be an entertaining distraction but Ten demonstrates they can be stimulating too. With characteristic wit and candour, John Pritchard attempts to get clear in his own mind what he believes after 40 years of trying to faith understandable to others. Topics include: - Ten problems people have with faith - Ten things I believe about God - Ten things I don't believe about God - Ten words of wisdom - Ten clichés to avoid - Ten ways to pray - Ten lessons learned This is a great book whether you're sceptical about Christianity, feel there may be something to it, or simply want reassurance - in the midst of life's frequently bewildering moments - that it really does make sense.

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Lectio divina, which means sacred reading, is an ancient contemplative practice of listening deeply to the voice of God in sacred texts. In recent years there has been a reclaiming of the riches of contemplative prayer forms of Western traditions. Through the practice of lectio divina you become present to each moment in a heart-centred way. Gradually, the practice of lectio expands your capacity to sense God's presence until all of life becomes a cascade of prayer. Drawing on her own experience as a monk in the world, Christine Valters Paintner breaks open the movements of this spiritual practice. She makes them accessible to the contemporary reader who longs for a more pervasive experience of the holy in the everyday but lives far away from the sanctuary of a monastery.

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A Philosophy of the Christian Religion offers a new kind of introduction to the subject. Whereas most introductions in the past have attempted to deal with religion in general, this book focuses on philosophical issues of special importance to Christianity. In doing this, Nancey Murphy also takes full account of how conceptual revolutions in philosophy now mean that what older introductions termed 'standard problems' have changed from the way they were dealt with in earlier eras. At the same time, this new introduction helps the reader to better understand how contemporary issues have come to take on their current force by placing them within the context of the most sophisticated account available of human reason: Alasdair MacIntyre’s tradition-constituted rationality.

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Who was Luke? Was he one of Paul's companions? Was he a doctor? We do know that he was educated and cultured, writing for people far away from where Jesus lived. In his Gospel, we find the foundation of our Christmas stories and the best-loved parables, those of the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan. We see Jesus' concern for the poor and the marginalized, especially women and children. And it's Luke who tells us of the repentant thief on the cross and of the risen Jesus accompanying the people on the road to Emmaus. In these twenty-six studies, we discover Luke's aim - to present the good news of Jesus as clearly and unambiguously as he can.

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The result of over thirty years of research and lecturing, Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes is a ground-breaking study of Paul's first epistle to the Corinthians. Bailey examines this canonical letter through the lenses of Paul's Jewish socio-cultural and rhetorical background and the Mediterranean context of the Corinthian recipients.

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Many of us are aware of our spiritual nature, and we have a real desire and need to talk to God. Prayer, however, seems a difficult thing to do. While talking to our friends comes easily, we often think that talking to God does not. In How to Pray, John Pritchard takes us on a journey into prayer. He begins by showing us how to see the divine in everyday life and how to slow down enough to hear God. He makes a wealth of useful suggestions about: · how to pray · when to pray · how to pray with the Bible · how to pray with the imagination · how to pray with others · how to pray when the going gets tough. Whether you are just starting out in your prayer life or want to deepen and refresh it, this practical handbook will be a constant source of ideas and inspiration.

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The guides in this series by Tom Wright can be used on their own or alongside his New Testament for Everyone commentaries. They are designed to help you understand the Bible in fresh ways under the guidance of one of the world's leading New Testament scholars. Thoughtful questions, prayer suggestions, and useful background and cultural information all guide you into a deeper understanding of the Christian story and the Christian life. 2 Corinthians Illness and suffering in the ancient world were regularly regarded as signs of divine displeasure. Sometimes we think the same thing today. In 2 Corinthians, we see evidence of Paul's own suffering. The difficulties and pain he endured could be interpreted as God's punishment. Not so, says Paul. Trials come not because God is angry; rather, he requires us to trust him completely. Paul was breaking new ground here. He wanted the Corinthians to understand the comfort to be found in the suffering, death and resurrection life of Jesus.

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Things don't always go the way we intend. It's easy to feel discouraged when we cannot achieve what we hope for or when other people seem to make life difficult. Paul, writing to the Philippians from prison, certainly knew what it was like to have his plans thwarted. Yet, as this most joyful of letters conveys, he maintained a robust confidence in God's power and love. Paul's circumstances make this letter especially poignant, revealing as it does a man enduring huge difficulties and hardships. These eight studies on Philippians encourage us to face our problems with a Pauline fortitude, trust and hope.

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In this devotional book, Stephen Cottrell reflects on five paintings from Stanley Spencer's Christ in the Wilderness series. These paintings give us startling insight into Jesus' own vocation and self-understanding of his ministry. They show his great love for the earth, for the whole created order and for all creatures within it. For Christians, the wilderness is a place of discovery. By dwelling in the wilderness of these beautiful and provocative paintings, Stephen Cottrell encourages us to refine our own discipleship and learn again what it means to follow Christ. His three previous SPCK books are all best-sellers. This book is excellent reading for Lent but can be enjoyed at any time of year. It includes full-colour illustrations, making it a lovely gift book.

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Situated in the years leading up to the overthrow of Judah by the Babylonians, Jeremiah’s prophesies are set against a tense atmosphere of threat and invasion. Strongly warning of God’s judgment and the nation’s imminent catastrophe, Jeremiah lost credibility amongst his contemporaries as the years progressed, but the length of his book and the duration of his ministry establishes him as a major figure in the Old Testament. The fulfilment of his prophecies in later events of the Bible reassert the truth of his words and his speeches and prayers depict a God whose anger is a passionate response to the depths of love he feels for his people. Using personal anecdote, a witty and lively style, and drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay takes us deep into the unfolding story of the Old Testament.

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The Book of Daniel begins with the trials of the Judahites in the aftermath of Jerusalem’s destruction by the Babylonians in 587 BC, when many were forced to live as immigrants in a strange land. It continues with visions relating to the trials of Judahites back in Jerusalem in a time of persecution four centuries later, visions that promise them God’s deliverance. The twelve shorter prophets are situated between the eighth and fifth centuries and speak both warnings and instructions to God’s people. For instance, Amos’s visions warn of Israel’s downfall, Jonah speaks to a wayward generation in Nineveh, and Haggai encourages the people to rebuild God’s temple in Jerusalem. Although these prophets appear at different times and preach to different audiences, they all have at their core an understanding of God’s overwhelming desire to connect with and reconcile himself to his people. Using personal anecdote, a witty and lively style, and drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay takes us deep into the unfolding story of the Old Testament.

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Using personal anecdote, a witty and lively style, and drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay takes us deep into the unfolding story of the Old Testament.

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It was a time when worship was at best shallow and at worst idolatrous. It was a time when greed was breaking up society. It was a time when the great and powerful failed to protect the poor and the weak. It was the time of the kings of Israel and Judah. In an era of wickedness and unfaithfulness, God raised up the prophets to speak, to call his chosen people back to himself and to bear witness to the coming of the Messiah. Of these brave men and women, one of the most notable was Isaiah, whose messages of judgement, comfort and hope still speak powerfully to us today. Using personal anecdote, a witty and lively style, and drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay takes us deep into the unfolding story of the Old Testament.

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'Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther for Everyone' is John Goldingay's next installment on his biblical expedition through the Old Testament, in which he invites anyone who would like to join him for the every-man's theological adventure. Drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay turns his scholarly gaze towards three books of the Bible that hold much wisdom. These books tell us how the Jewish people persevered through oppression, the threat of genocide and intimidation. With strength and determination they rebuilt their community and began to worship as God's people again. For readers today, these insightful and inspiring stories - the faithful priest, the obedient builder and the steadfast Queen - sends ripples of hope, strength and guidance into today's Christian walk. With strikingly clear language and profound analysis, this Bible commentary will help anyone and everyone to understand and engage with the Bible.

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The first in a major new series of guides to the books of the Old Testament written in an accessible and anecdotal style. The series is suitable for personal or group use and the format is also appropriate for daily study. 'In the beginning God created . . .' This gripping opening line draws attention to the irresistible creative nature of God - the One who is able to bring something out of nothing. There is no more fitting way to introduce us to the first and most obvious indication of God s goodness and greatness. The book of Genesis goes on to tell stories (both exciting and commonplace), offer profound mysteries, and engage us in the biggest issues of all: who we are, where we come from, and where we're going. Using personal anecdote, a witty and lively style, and drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay takes us deep into the unfolding story. He explores the character and nature of the God we meet so powerfully in that opening line, the God we can encounter daily on the journey through this revelatory book. And, as Professor Goldingay guides us in our understanding of these time-honoured words and the ancient world they describe, he helps us to apply what we read to our lives. This series offers a natural progression from the successful 'For Everyone' series of New Testament translations and commentaries.

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The dramatic accounts in the books of Joshua, Judges and Ruth take us from the cusp of Israel's entering the Promised Land to the eve of the founding of its monarchy. The high adventure (Joshua), horror (Judges) and love (Ruth) in these three books illustrate the spectrum of Israel's relationship with God: faithfulness and victory; sin and redemption; and loyalty and blessing. Using personal anecdote, a witty and lively style, and drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay takes us deep into the unfolding story of the Old Testament. And, as he guides us in our understanding of these time-honoured words and the ancient world they describe, he helps us to apply what we read to our lives.

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Guides ministers and trainee ministers towards a way of integrating theology, pastoral activity and personal faith.

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Using everyday stories and case histories the authors explore pastoral situations and reflect on them theologically. This new edition has been extensively revised to take into account the changes of the past ten years. The first part of the book (The Foundations) looks at the theory of practical theology, and models for its application. The second part covers tools for practical theology; learning from experience, interdisciplinary working, theological reflection, action and spirituality; and to this has been added new material about mission in context today.

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This publication is a useful confirmation register for use in churches around the UK.

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What is the relationship between science and Christian faith

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An accessible introduction for sufferers and carers, which demystifies this increasingly topical issue.

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