Search results for ""spck publishing""

For many years, spiritual direction was regarded as an elitist activity, designed for the benefit of the clergy and a few specially devout laity. This book presents an alternative to that view, arguing that spiritual direction is a benefit which every Christian can enjoy. But if that is so, where will we find all the competent spiritual guides to meet this need? Gordon Jeff's answer is that in every congregation there are people - women and men, lay and ordained - who possess a latent gift for spiritual direction. To develop that gift, courses are now available in many parts of the country, but the Anglican Diocese of Southwark was the first in the field, and this book outlines methods which have proved their worth over nearly 25 years, and which have been widely adopted across the UK and beyond. This wise, practical handbook will be appreciated by all who would like to know how the skills of spiritual direction may be applied in their own congregation. It will also prove helpful as a concise introduction to the nature and purpose of direction, and how it relates to other forms of pastoral care and counselling.

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The Didache is one of the earliest Christian writings, earlier than most of the documents that make up the New Testament. It provides practical instructions on how a Christian community should function, and offers unique insights into the way the earliest Christians lived and worshipped. In this highly readable introduction, Thomas O'Loughlin tells the intriguing story of the Didache, from its discovery in the late nineteenth century to the present. He then provides an illuminating commentary on the entire text, highlighting areas of special interest to Christians today, and ends with a fresh translation of the text itself.

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Dame Cicely Saunders was the founder of the Hospice Movement, in which Britain leads the world. Her work transformed our approach to the care of the dying, and also the debate about euthanasia. She died in 2005 and her memorial service was held in Westminster Abbey in March 2006. Over 1600 people attended. This biography, by Shirley du Boulay, includes a 4-page plate section and new chapters by Marianne Rankin covering the years after 1984.

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In this lively and hopeful volume, John Pritchard realistically maps out the life and work of those called to serve God in the ordained ministry. He looks in turn at the only three things he believes need be of concern: the glory of God, the pain of the world, and the renewal of the Church. From these flow the priest's many roles, such as spiritual explorer, multi-lingual interpreter, wounded companion, friendly irritant, creative leader and mature risk-taker. The book pays homage to Robert Martineau's The Office and Work of a Priest, published in 1972, and much valued as a wise account of the duties of a priest at that time.

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This is a fascinating analysis and response to the fundamental questions that face any believer today. Sadly becoming daily more topical, this book explores all aspects of evil - our contemporary and theological understanding, and the ways in which evil presents itself in society today. Fully grounded in the bible, Evil and the Justice of God is sparkling, erudite, provocative and particularly relevant in the wake of new global terror attacks. Accounts of cruelty, death and terrorism hit us every day. We are forced to ask fundamental questions about God and the nature of evil, which demand a theological resolution that is mature, profound and never glib. N. T. Wright explores these pivotal questions with a fresh and engaging approach, combining the virtues of detailed scholarship with an accessible style. He neither ducks the awkward, nor avoids the unpalatable, but instead offers a new, often surprising perspective in his search for a meaningful response to the problem of evil. "The Rt Revd Tom Wright, Bishop of Durham . . . is that rare breed of teacher who can reach people of all levels of understanding, despite working not at the 'coalface', but largely as an academic theologian." Daily Telegraph

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This is the fourth title in a major series of text books for students. Subjects covered include, for every prophet, a discussion of the date, who the prophet spoke to, how the critics have interpreted it, how it relates to history and to other prophets, its structure and outline. Each chapter includes exercises and essay topics at levels 1 and 2 to fully involve the students. 'Gordon McConville has written a highly readable introduction to the Hebrew prophets that locates them in their ancient historical setting, opens up the prophetic texts in the light of the most recent scholarship, and brings out their relevance for modern living. It fulfils superbly its aim of making the prophets accessible to the student reader' Professor Robert P. Gordon, University of Cambridge.

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The Historical Books of the Old Testament (the Histories) are: Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, Ruth, Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah, and 1 and 2 Chronicles. This book is an introduction to the Histories intended for first- or second-year students at theological college or university. It is meant to be read in conjunction with the biblical text. The book includes maps; tables of key facts, chronologies and events; and numerous inset panels. These provide brief treatments of particular topics, suggest questions for thought and discussion, or introduce the reader to issues that require deeper research and reflection.

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The SPCK Service Register, is a hardback landscape register of services for use by parishes. The service register has the following column headings: Date Day Hour Service Officiant Attendance (sub-divided into 'Under 16 and '16 and over') Communicants Preacher Subject Notes Collections

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