Search results for ""christian faith""

Why did Christianity produce the special organizational form church in the first place? Is it possible to be a Christian without the church? To what extent is Christian faith in community with other believers an alternative to the mere self-optimization of individuals?In this accessible and questioning new work, Hans Joas traverses theological, church-historical, sociological, and ethical territory in search of a viable conception of the church adequate to contemporary globalized societies. Across eleven essays that draw on work by Ernst Troeltsch, Max Weber, Emile Durkheim, H. Richard Niebuhr, Leszek Kolakowski and others, Joas reflects on key debatesfrom the failure of so-called secularization theory to explain religiosity in modern society, to the role of Christianity and the church in relation to rampant nationalism and refugee crises, and to the question of whether or not human dignity ever was, or still is, the highest value in the West. Addressing the sociology of the

Read more less

The central Christian belief in salvation through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ remains one of the most intractable mysteries of Christian faith. Throughout history, it has given rise to various theories of atonement, many of which have been subject to critique as they no longer speak to contemporary notions of evil and sin or to current conceptions of justice. One of the important challenges for contemporary Christian theology thus involves exploring new ways of understanding the salvific meaning of the cross. In Atonement and Comparative Theology, Christian theologians with expertise in Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, and African Religions reflect on how engagement with these traditions sheds new light on the Christian understanding of atonement by pointing to analogous structures of sin and salvation, drawing attention to the scandal of the cross as seen by the religious other, and re-interpreting aspects of the Christian understanding of atonement. Together, they illustrate the possibilities for comparative theology to deepen and enrich Christian theological reflection.

Read more less

Many people experience Christianity as a system of belief, focused on an exclusive Supreme Being who favours some and rejects others, and is defended by a set of change-averse, self-protecting institutions. In The Great Spiritual Migration, Brian McLaren proposes that this conventional understanding of Christianity is ripe for a conversion: from system of belief to way of life, from exclusive Supreme Being to the loving, healing, reconciling Spirit embodied in Jesus, and from an organised institutional religion that supports an unjust status quo to an organising movement-building religion that helps a better world be born. Drawing from his work as a pastor, speaker, ecumenical networker and activist, McLaren issues a call and offers a plan for radical change that can shift the direction of Christian faith to be more in sync with its founder, more life-giving for individual Christians and congregations - and more of a life-giving resource for the whole world.

Read more less

While many of us struggle to understand it, the Trinity is one of the most important teachings of the Christian faith. It defines God's very essence and describes how he relates to us. And while it can be a difficult concept to get our heads around, it is crucial for believers to understand how God explains his triune nature in his Word. In this book, James R. White offers a concise, understandable explanation of what the Trinity is and why it matters. While refuting the distortions of God presented by various cults, Dr. White shows how understanding this teaching leads to renewed worship and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Christian. And amid today's emphasis on the renewing work of the Holy Spirit, The Forgotten Trinity is a balanced look at all three persons of the Trinity. May this book deepen your understanding of this important doctrine while also drawing you closer to the triune God himself.

Read more less

Was the identity of the Holy Spirit as a personal agent already obvious in the expressions of faith at the pre-literary stage of Christianity? This book traces the evolution of the expression of the early Christian faith in relation to the notion of pneuma (spirit). It shows that, first of all pneuma, as long as it can be traced from three passages in antithesis with sarks (1 Tim 3:16; 1 Pet 3:18,22 and Rom 1:3-4) reflecting the Christian theology prior to the early New Testament writings, referred to the spiritual condition to which Christ had access as a result of his resurrection, in contrast to his previous earthly condition. Then in a more in-depth examination of Rom 1:4 from the angle of identifiable redactions, it continues to show how the passage/transition from this representation of the pneuma-condition to that of the pneuma (Spirit) designating the Holy Spirit took place.

Read more less

The central tenet of Christian faith, namely, that God, through the incarnation, has immersed Godself in human history and undergone its terrors, does not dispel the mystery of the world's pain and may indeed make the mystery that much more profound. This volume examines both the implications of the doctrine of incarnation for the understanding of human suffering and the attempts to provide a theologically responsible account of this article of faith. It combines biblical and systematic-theological reflection with a thoroughgoing survey of the panorama of responses to human suffering developed during the course of Christian history, ranging from the early Christian martyrs, across the medieval mystical tradition and the Reformation, and into modernity. Moreover, it examines late- and postmodern attempts to come to terms with human suffering, by means of either retrievals, or thoroughgoing revisions, of traditional theological conceptuality, and considers non-Christian attempts to address the perennial problem of human pain and death.

Read more less

Understanding my own faith: a desire which many people have. But at the same time a lot of Christians are not able to explain their faith because there is a lack of understanding. The Heidelberg catechism from 1563 was relevant for a lot of Christians in earlier times, but today it seems to have lost its significance. Georg Plasger combines both things: The understanding of faith for people of the 21st Century with the help of the Catechism of the 16th Century. The Catechism itself is constructed in dialogue - as well is the book. Plasger reflects basic questions and issues of Christian faith in fourteen chapters. He thereby shows that the Heidelberg Catechism is helpful to understanding ones faith. Questions like "How can we really speak of God? " and "Is man bad? " as well as key issues (including creation, Jesus Christ, Church, Holy Spirit, sacraments, hope and prayer) are considered. The result is a modern doctrine of faith.

Read more less

Why and How Should I Read the Bible? is a chapter from Nicky Gumbel's book, Questions of Life, and the thirteenth talk on Alpha. Nicky Gumbel discusses how telling others about our faith can be a natural part of our relationship with God. This booklet may be given to a guest who missed this Alpha talk.Alpha creates an environment of hospitality where people can bring their friends, family, and work colleagues to explore the Christian faith, ask questions and share their point of view. Alpha makes it easy to invite friends to have spiritual conversations which explore life's biggest questions in a safe and respectful way. Alpha's approach to hospitality, faith, and discussion is designed to welcome everyone, especially those who might not describe themselves as Christians or church-goers. Each session includes time for a large group meal, short teaching, and small group discussion.This resource is written in Spanish.

Read more less

What About Other Religions? is a chapter from Nicky Gumbel's book, Searching Issues. Nicky tackles questions around other religions, as it can be a barrier to faith and one of the most common questions asked on Alpha. This is an ideal take away for an Alpha guest who is struggling with this topic or anyone curious to find out more.Alpha creates an environment of hospitality where people can bring their friends, family, and work colleagues to explore the Christian faith, ask questions and share their point of view. Alpha makes it easy to invite friends to have spiritual conversations which explore life's biggest questions in a safe and respectful way. Alpha's approach to hospitality, faith, and discussion is designed to welcome everyone, especially those who might not describe themselves as Christians or church-goers. Each session includes time for a large group meal, short teaching, and small group discussion.This resource is written in Spanish.

Read more less

In distinctive voice and tone, cultural commentator Glenn W. Olsen presents his latest work on the place of Catholicism in American history. Here he clarifies the meaning of American modernity for Catholics and shows the conflicts and tensions confronting the religious person today. The essays take up such questions as the possibility of a neutral public order, the desirable relation between church and state, the spiritualities suitable to our historical situation, the form the principle of subsidiarity might take, and the range of hopeful possibilities for the future. Olsen defines the current challenge for religious persons as how to be “in” but not “of” the world. Addressing some aspects of being in the world, he traces the historical roots of the idea of Catholic incarnational humanism and analyses the problems specific to Christian faith existing within a larger society of non believers. Olsen suggests that how we address such issues affects the religious and non religious alike, especially in a country of diverse religions.

Read more less

n this book – an expanded version of his 2014 University of Dallas Aquinas Lecture – Father Robert Spitzer audaciously combines the intellectual legacies of two Catholic priests, St. Thomas Aquinas and Monsignor Georges Lemaître. Living in the thirteenth century, Thomas Aquinas ardently believed that, as he wrote in the Summa contra gentiles, “truth which human reason is naturally endowed to know cannot be opposed to the truth of the Christian faith.” But human reason has made many advances since Thomas’s days. One of them is the Big Bang theory, which Georges Lemaître, professor of physics at the Catholic University of Louvain, discovered in 1927. According to this theory, the universe as we know it began billions of years ago with an unimaginably powerful explosion. Is Thomas’s metaphysical vision of the universe, which includes the existence of a Creator who made and ordered the cosmos, compatible with contemporary cosmology? That is the question which Father Spitzer addresses in this book.

Read more less

Natural theology, in the view of many, is in crisis. In this long-awaited book, Alister McGrath sets out a new vision for natural theology, re-establishing its legitimacy and utility. A timely and innovative resource on natural theology: the exploration of knowledge of God as it is observed through nature Written by internationally regarded theologian and author of numerous bestselling books, Alister McGrath Develops an intellectually rigorous vision of natural theology as a point of convergence between the Christian faith, the arts and literature, and the natural sciences, opening up important possibilities for dialogue and cross-fertilization Treats natural theology as a cultural phenomenon, broader than Christianity itself yet always possessing a distinctively Christian embodiment Explores topics including beauty, goodness, truth, and the theological imagination; how investigating nature gives rise to both theological and scientific theories; the idea of a distinctively Christian approach to nature; and how natural theology can function as a bridge between Christianity and other faiths

Read more less

Indigenous breadsellers riot over a Spanish monopoly scheme; Spanish authorities plan to remove native people from the city; indigenous people struggle to construct a splendid church; the city's inhabitants fight over elections and witness hangings, epidemics, and eclipses. All this and more a Native American writer of Puebla, Mexico, reported in the late seventeenth century in a set of annals in his own language, Nahuatl, telling his people's local history from the coming of the Christian faith down to his own day. These records were part of a corpus of such annals produced in the Tlaxcala-Puebla region during this period. These writings by native peoples for their own posterity provide the most direct access to the indigenous perspective on the postconquest centuries that we are ever going to find. Here in This Year for the first time brings two sets of Nahuatl annals—the other one being from a more provincial locale—to the English-speaking world, presenting the original Nahuatl with facing, very readable translations.

Read more less

Christianity Today 2024 Award of Merit (Academic Theology) Doctrine is central to Christian discipleship and maturity. Unfortunately, it is often sidelined in churches' teaching ministry as irrelevant or impractical. Countering this, leading church historian Douglas Sweeney defines doctrine as church teaching intended for the shaping of daily faith and practice. The Substance of Our Faith addresses introductory issues in the study and application of historical doctrine, incorporating a unique global and catholic perspective. It addresses the Spirit's role in the rise of doctrine in the early church, the authority of Scripture and tradition in the development of doctrine, the challenges of doing global historical theology, the nature and purpose of doctrine, and implications for teaching the faith today. Specifically, Sweeney advocates that those who teach the Christian faith in all churches do so in communion with the saints who have come before. A future volume by the author will narrate the actual history of doctrinal teaching around the world.

Read more less

Learning how to live in today''s new social and cultural environment will require examination, trial and error, and adaptation over time. But there are ways to live with integrity and follow Christ today, even in a negative world.From a peak in church attendance in the mid-20th century, Christianity has been on a trajectory of decline in the United States. Once positive toward Christianity and Christian moral teachings, cultural shifts toward the mid-90s led many to adopt a more neutral tone toward the Christian faith, seeing it as one option among many in a pluralistic public square. Today, however, Christianity is viewed negatively, and being known as a Christian often means a lower social status in elite society. Christian morality is openly repudiated and viewed as a threat to the new moral order.In Life in the Negative World, author Aaron M. Renn looks at the lessons from Christian cultural engagement over the past 70 years and suggests s

Read more less

One woman’s husband confessed to a secret life of multiple affairs and addiction. Another woman’s daughter died of leukemia shortly after her adoption was finalized.Awash in their grief, Cortney Donelson and Becky Huber would have been justified in living a life of anger, bitterness, and sorrow after going through what can only be described as a wife’s—and mother’s—worst nightmares. But as Christians, these women were called to live set apart, to choose unexpected responses despite their heart-wrenching circumstances. And they chose wisely. For every Christian, faith can often feel uncomfortable. Fighting for hope is hard, and being set apart for God’s glory may feel isolating. Indeed, most aspects of the Christian life can be downright messy. In The Outlier's Choice, authors Becky Huber and Cortney Donelson make an inspiring case to choose the unexpected—to go against popular beliefs and walk through struggles in discomfort, becoming bold outliers for God’s glory.

Read more less

Bite–sized biographies of inspirational Christian women. Spanning two millennia and multiple continents, these stories will introduce you to great women in the history of the Christian faith. From Mary in first century Judea, to Catherine Booth in nineteenth century Britain, to Gladys Aylward in twentieth century China. Perpetua and Jane Grey lived brief lives cut short by their conspicuous and brave fidelity to Jesus, while Corrie ten Boom, although no less courageous, lived a long life that testified to God’s compassion and forgiveness. For all their differences, each one of these women has left an indelible legacy on our collective intergenerational Christian consciousness. Each are worth knowing. To know someone’s story is a privilege. We hope you’re encouraged in your Christian walk as you read of theirs. The women whose stories are included in this book are: Mary Perpetua Catherine of Siena Jane Grey Anne Hutchinson Anne Dutton Selina, Countess of Huntingdon Catherine Booth Gladys Aylward Corrie Ten Boom

Read more less

We’ve all heard the arguments that Christianity is irrelevant, irrational and even immoral. But what if the Christian faith makes sense of all that matters? In this thoughtful, engaging book, Simon Edwards challenges the assumptions that may lead us to reject a faith and doubt something that we’ve never really had the chance to understand in the first place. From our need for meaning and significance, to our desires for truth, goodness, love and hope, he explores the things that matter to us as human beings and shows us why the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ might just make sense of them all. The Sanity of Belief is a fresh take on apologetics, faith and doubt, that will leave you with a stronger understanding of Christian belief and how it relates to today’s world. It is ideal for anyone looking for a clear, down-to-earth introduction to Christianity, or for those wanting to reaffirm the foundations on which their faith is based.

Read more less

This book proposes the parallel concept that authentic faith development both presupposes and facilitates authentic human development. Thomas Aquinas posited a reciprical relationship between nature and grace: grace both presupposes or builds on nature, and perfects nature. Translated into developmental terms, this would mean that religious and spiritual growth takes place on the foundation of healthy human growth and, reciprically, the authentic religious development facilitates development towards the goals of authentic human growth. This study attempts to investigate the validity of this reciprical relationship as it applies to human and religious growth. A dialogue is constructed between the views of four Christian thinkers (Kierkegaard, Barth, Bultmann, and Tillich) on the dynamics of the Christian faith experience and four psychological theorists (Alsler, Fromm, Allport, and Frankl) on the dynamics of human growth.

Read more less

An outreach edition of the New Testament, using the ESV translation in British English – perfect for church groups and to give away at events. Passing on the Christian faith is at the heart of our calling, and this outreach edition of the New Testament means that there is a cost-effective way to share the Gospel, using a translation you can trust. Created by a team of more than 100 Evangelical Bible scholars, the ESV is the fastest-growing translation, and is the go-to Bible for church leaders and ministries around the world. More evangelical churches than ever before are using the ESV. Now you can reach out beyond your church with this attractive and affordable New Testament, bringing the life-giving Gospel to your friends and neighbours

Read more less

Pastor and trusted Bible teacher Dr. Tony Evans answers fundamental questions about the Christian faith to help children understand who God is and why they can trust Him with their lives. Is there a child in your life who needs to learn about God? Dr. Tony Evans provides easy-to-understand answers to the most important questions about Christianity, so that kids can come to know and trust the Lord. Topics include: Who is God and what is He like? Where did the world come from? How can I follow God? Why do bad things sometimes happen? How am I part of God’s plan? My Biggest Questions About God is a valuable resource for parents and youth leaders who want to help children build a firm foundation of faith.

Read more less

How can someone, committed to a Christian view of life, reason concerning ethical issues ? That is the main question of this book, which seeks to contribute to an understanding of morality as a human phenomenon. A central question in this respect is how it is possible to understand human beings as persons having free will and moral responsibility. It emerges from the analysis that Christian faith contributes to ethics in three different ways: first, it provides a perspective on human life and its setting, second, it offers an understanding of human beings as personal subjects, while, third, the Christian tradition supplies us with edifying narratives containing patterns of good human life. In the final chapter, one particular case of applied ethics is analysed: How should the acceptable level of accidental death within a given context be established ?

Read more less

John Donne discussed as an original religious thinker, drawing on his extant sermons for evidence of his personal theology. John Donne is here treated as an original religious thinker; the evidence for the distinguishing features of his theology is drawn primarily from his extant sermons studied in context, beginning with an exploration of what is forDonne the fundamental belief for regulating Christian faith and practice, the doctrine of the Trinity. Building on this theological groundwork, Johnson goes on to examine such topics as Donne's understanding of common prayer; thepre-eminence of sight and spectacle, in terms of religious self-fashioning and the iconoclastic controversy; the doctrine of repentance, in conjunction with Donne's own sense of clerical calling; and the doctrine of grace, including Donne's views regarding the controversy over the Lord's Supper. JEFFREY JOHNSON is Professor of English at Northern Illinois University.

Read more less

A highly readable introduction to Christian apologetics that joins contemporary analytic philosophy with modern biblical scholarship.In this book, Paul Herrick presents the basics of classical Christian apologetics in the form of an inference to the best explanation argument that builds from the book's first chapter to its last. Drawing on contemporary philosophy, logic, and biblical scholarship, Herrick incorporates thoughts from Socrates, Plato, Thomas Aquinas, and C. S. Lewis, as well as scholars such as William Lane Craig, J. P. Moreland, Richard Swinburne, and Craig Blomberg, to present a multifaceted argument for the Christian faith. With sections on the Socratic method, the Christian examination of conscience, the Big Bang, miracles, the historical reliability of the New Testament, the resurrection of Christ, and more, this book promises to be useful intellectually and spiritually for seekers, doubters, and those already in the faith.

Read more less

What does Christianity stand for in the 21st century? How can we believe it? Why do we need it? In this modern classic, bestselling author Tom Wright invites you on a journey into the heart of Christianity and shows you how it can be lived authentically today. Taking the reader through the Christian faith step by step and question by question, Simply Christian offers compelling explanations for even the most hardened sceptics, while leaving believers spiritually refreshed and exhilarated. ‘How can one find the words to describe a book so beautifully and skilfully written, so inspired, so full of generosity and genius?’ Anne Rice ‘Absolutely wonderful, radical and very powerful.’ Antony Flew ‘An invaluable guide for seekers and doubters as well as believers.’ Os Guinness ‘Exceptional. . . it is hard to think of a parallel since Lewis.’ Church Times

Read more less

How Can I Resist Evil? is a chapter from Nicky Gumbel's book, Questions of Life, and the twelfth talk on Alpha. Reading the newspaper we see evil all around us. This booklet sheds light on how to resist evil. It may be given to a guest who missed this Alpha talk. Alpha creates an environment of hospitality where people can bring their friends, family and work colleagues to explore the Christian faith, ask questions and share their point of view.Alpha makes it easy to invite friends to have spiritual conversations which explore life's biggest questions in a safe and respectful way. Alpha's approach to hospitality, faith and discussion is designed to welcome everyone, especially those who might not describe themselves as Christians or church-goers. Each session includes time for a large group meal, short teaching, and small group discussion.

Read more less

New York Times Bestseller! In Jesus on Trial, David Limbaugh applies his lifetime of legal experience to a unique new undertaking: making a case for the gospels as hard evidence of the life and work of Jesus Christ. Limbaugh, a practicing attorney and former professor of law, approaches the canonical gospels with the same level of scrutiny he would apply to any legal document and asks all the necessary questions about the story of Jesus told through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. His analysis of the texts becomes profoundly personal as he reflects on his own spiritual and intellectual odyssey from determined skeptic to devout Christian. Ultimately, Limbaugh concludes that the words Christians have treasured for centuries stand up to his exhaustive inquiry—including his examination of historical and religious evidence beyond the gospels—and thereby affirms Christian faith, spirituality, and tradition.

Read more less

This major reference work is offered as a resource for today's church in its life, worship, and mission to the world. It aims to enable readers not merely to defend the gospel of Jesus Christ against attack, but also to commend it positively. The Dictionary addresses the main intellectual objections to the Christian faith, and puts the case in its favour from a wide variety of perspectives. But since apologetics is the task of the whole person, the contributors also consider how the truth of the church's message can be demonstrated within the diverse elements of contemporary culture. Christian students and scholars in all major disciplines, pastors and lay leaders of local churches, and anyone actively involved in evangelism or social outreach will be empowered by this dictionary to witness more effectively to Christ, in word and deed.

Read more less

The Persuasion of Love examines the implications of believing that `the meaning of the universe is love’. It is axiomatic that the Christian faith is about the love of God, but John Blakely seeks to delve behind this easy assertion by proposing that all human love has God as its source, even if marred by human failings, and by exploring what it might mean for God to have created out of love. Viewing theodicy through the lens of love, the book finishes with a lyrical reflection on the fact that suffering is built into the universe because of its source in the love of God, and that we live in the `now and not yet’ - in tension between the glory of creation and the agony of the cross, before the future glory of the new creation.

Read more less

This book explores the threat of Christian conversion to Islam in twelve early modern English plays. This book explores the threat of Christian conversion to Islam in 12 early modern English plays. In works by Shakespeare, Marlowe, Massinger, and others, conversion from Christianity to Islam is represented as both tragic and erotic, as a fate worse than death and as a sexual seduction. Degenhardt examines the stage's treatment of this intercourse of faiths to reveal connections between sexuality, race, and confessional identity in early modern English drama and culture. In addition, she shows how England's encounter with Islam reanimated post Reformation debates about the embodiment of Christian faith. As Degenhardt compellingly demonstrates, the erotics of conversion added fuel to the fires of controversies over Pauline universalism, Christian martyrdom, the efficacy of relics and rituals, and even the Knights of Malta.

Read more less

Find answers to your biggest questions about the Bible and Christian faith.We all have questions about the Bible--whether we have read it or not. Join the more than half a million people who have looked to The Complete Bible Answer Book for answers about the Bible, Christian beliefs, life problems, and what God''s Word says about current issues.In this comprehensive guide you will find answers to more than 210 of the top questions people have asked Bible teacher and theologian Hank Hanegraaff, aka the Bible Answer Man, over the last 40 years. Topics include:  creation and our existence spiritual gifts the secret to effective prayers religions and cults the resurrection and afterlife and many more issues vital to a better understanding of God and living a spiritually nourishing life.  Each question is answered in Hanegraaff''s scholarly yet approach

Read more less

Is it really possible to talk to God? Does he listen to us? How do we know what to say? Will it make any difference if we pray? Prayer is central to Christian faith and life, and such questions are fundamental. While much teaching on prayer addresses practical issues and is experience-orientated, Graeme Goldsworthy's conviction is that good practice comes from a foundation of good biblical understanding. Using a biblical-theological approach, he examines the principles that lie behind particular texts in Scripture, and maps out the 'progress' of prayer from Genesis to Revelation. He explains the basis for prayer, its role in our fellowship with God, and what is involved in Christian prayer. Above all, his desire is to encourage Christians in their praying, through a better understanding of, and reflection on, the 'big story' of the whole Bible.

Read more less

Faith Foundations from A-Z Your family will love this unique board book! Using colorful, engaging artwork, We Believe introduces little ones to foundational Christian theology, including baptism, communion, the Nicene and Apostles’ Creed, the Trinity, and more. Children will delight in the beautiful illustrations as they learn the alphabet and the essentials of Christian faith. You will appreciate the artistic design, theologically sound content, and helping your little one form a firm spiritual foundation built on biblical truth. ***Baby Believer® primers are designed to grow with children, from early infancy through elementary school. In addition to basic Bible theology, Baby Believer® board books are filled with quotations from the Bible, creeds, hymns, church fathers, and other articles of faith to help reinforce the content and provide intellectual handholds for older children who possess a greater capacity for learning and memorization.

Read more less

Conversations matter. Yet, recently, good conversations about faith have been increasingly squeezed out of the public sphere. Seeking to reopen the debate, Justin Brierley began to invite atheists and sceptics on to Premier Christian Radio to air arguments for and against the Christian faith. But how has ten years of discussion with atheists affected the presenter's faith? Reflecting on conversations with Richard Dawkins, Derren Brown and many more, Justin explains why he still finds Christianity the most compelling explanation for life, the universe and everything. And why, regardless of belief or background, we should all welcome the conversation. 'Beautifully written, brilliantly argued, Justin's book will thrill Christians and challenge atheists.' R. T. Kendall, author and pastor 'Justin has that happy knack of being able to get people of diametrically opposed opinions debating the big issues.' John Lennox, Professor of Mathematics, University of Oxford

Read more less

'It has been slowly dawning on me over many years that there is a fundamental problem deep at the heart of Christian faith and practice as I have known them . . . we have all forgotten what the four Gospels are about.' With that surprising assertion, Tom Wright launches this ground-breaking work in which he helps us to see the gospel story in radically a new light, and to acknowledge that, for many generations, the Church has been avoiding its full impact and holding back from proclaiming its full meaning. 'Classic Wright: clear, accessible, robust, engaging and challenging.' Paula Gooder in Third Way 'Scholarly, accessible, insightful and provocative.' Christianity 'Wright argues compellingly that the twin themes of kingdom and cross are inseparably linked. . . This is a much-needed reorientation. The book makes its case for 'rethinking' cogently and deserves widespread attention.' Theology

Read more less

What are the Seven Deadly Sins? Are they still acknowledged breaches of morality and ethical norms in our Western societies in the Third Millennium? The Seven Deadly Sins present an ethical catalog, a moral mirror for princes and rulers that originates in Catholic Christianity. This little book, however, is not primarily about religion, on the contrary: It respects the Greek origins of Western thought that have survived beyond Christian faith, praises the scientific achievements of the Enlightenment, and looks at our contemporary world with critical eyes. It is a unique blend of scientific analysis, analysis of Western contemporary culture and, lastly, satire. The authors, a group of friends living in Europe, present diverse views on a wide range of topics. Their principal intention is to open a debate about ethics, science, scepticism, and hypocrisy. A thought-provoking and inspiring readabout the present as well as the future.

Read more less

Christianity is more than a religion: it is also a complex intellectual tradition. Christians and non-Christians alike who want to understand the world as it is today have to understand Christianity too. Christianity makes objective claims, but also presents a new way of thinking about the world. In Christianity Considered, renowned theologian Dr. John Frame introduces the reader to the Christian religion and its unique intellectual framework, describing the key pillars of Christian thought and how these shape the Christian worldview. Covering a range of topics, from the resurrection to the Christian posture toward politics, Christianity Considered is a valuable guide to understanding the Christian faith as an intellectual tradition. Useful for both the Christian reader looking for a better understanding of the faith and the skeptical reader who seeks to understand the intellectual tradition that has done much to shape the modern world.

Read more less

Rowan Williams writes accessibly and for the general reader on belief, Christianity and the place of religion today. Apart from being a scholar and theologian, Rowan Williams has also demonstrated a rare gift for speaking and writing plainly and clearly about essentials of the Christian faith. In the chapters of this book he writes with profound perception about the life of holiness to which we are called. The range of Williams’ frame of reference is astonishing – he brings poets and theologians to his aid, he writes about the Rule of St Benedict, the Bible, Icons, contemplation, St Teresa of Avila and even R. D. Laing. He concludes with two chapters on the injunction ‘Know Thyself’ in a Christian context. Throughout, Williams points out that holiness is a state of being – it is he writes ‘completely undemonstrative and lacking any system of expertise. It can never be dissected and analysed.’

Read more less

The follow-up to the author's highly successful The Things He Carried, this book takes the post-resurrection sayings of Jesus as starting-points and uses the same reflection format. The meaning and significance of the resurrection, how it was first communicated and how it is communicated to us today, are explored by piecing together these sayings of Jesus. However, the content may not quite be what we imagine. Following the resurrection, we would expect the triumphant 'I have risen from the dead'. Yet Jesus' statements are so different, so apparently innocuous, that they are often overlooked. The Christian faith stands or falls on the resurrection of Jesus; without it, says St Paul, we are to be most pitied. In this revelatory book of surprising reflections, Stephen Cottrell's retelling of the Easter story encourages us to slow down and hear it properly - perhaps for the very first time.

Read more less

More than ever, we must stand firm on the clear teaching of God's Word. In What Every Christian Should Know, Dr. Robert Jeffress equips you to understand ten core doctrines of Christianity so you can be confident that your faith is built on solid ground and stand strong against false teaching. Each chapter illuminates a core belief of the Christian faith, such as God's Word, the Trinity, angels and demons, sin, salvation, future things, and more. This study guide will help you get the most out of the book, whether you are studying it alone, as part of a small group, or as part of a churchwide initiative. Nothing is more hopeful and beneficial in our trying times than good theology. With vivid illustrations, clear explanations, and practical applications for believers today, this book will help you ground your faith in capital T truth.

Read more less

Weaving together input from six experts in the fields of Bible, Church History, and Theology, Christianity introduces learners to the practices, traditions, beliefs, and scriptures of the Christian faith. This expanded and updated edition tells Christianity's growth from humble origins to becoming the world's largest religion. New material appears on a variety of topics, such as church architecture, vestments, church offices, apocalyptic literature, the Gospels, Roman citizenship, and the life of Paul. This edition distills the most current research in an accessible style and user-friendly format, and improves on the previous edition by highlighting and defining key terms, adding breakout boxes, and rewriting all major sections with a focus on clarity and up-to-date information. Complete with a new introduction and conclusion, Christianity offers a fresh, crisp, and concise survey of a faith held dear by more than two billion people across the globe.

Read more less

In this book the award-winning Belfast journalist and author reflects on a long career of reporting on the main events in Northern Ireland over the past sixty years and on the aftermath of conflictsin the developing world including Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Vietnam and Rwanda. He covered theworst of the Troubles from the beginning in 1968-69 and reported on some of the most disturbing atrocities such as Bloody Sunday, the Kingsmills Massacre and the no-warning IRA explosion at the EnniskillenCenotaph on Remembrance Sunday. Hehas seen religion at its worst and its best, and he observes how the Christian faith has sustained so many people in times of great suffering and distress, and how the mis- practice of this faith has led to division, misunderstanding and hostility.The author also reflects on his experience of reporting on well-knownfigures in Northern Ireland ranging from Gordon and

Read more less

'What Alpha offers, and what is attracting thousands of people, is permission, rare in secular culture, to discuss the big questions of life and death and their meaning.' - The Guardian'Alpha makes Christianity relevant to modern life.' - The ExpressIn this international bestseller, Alpha pioneer Nicky Gumbel addresses some of the foundational questions of life that challenge us all: why am I here? Is there more to life than this? How can I make the most of the rest of my life?Answering step-by-step some of the key questions that lie at the heart of the Christian faith, his intelligent, well-researched and informed approach makes this a sympathetic, fascinating and immensely readable introduction to Jesus Christ.'Alpha was the best thing I ever did. It helped answer some huge questions and to find a simple, empowering faith in my life.' - Bear Grylls

Read more less

'"Can't anyone teach me how to pray?" Millions of people today are asking the same question. There is a sense of the necessity of prayer - we have to pray. But how?'Prayer is central to Christian faith; indeed, as Timothy Keller notes in his introduction, it is the main way we experience deep change. Yet so many people struggle with prayer - a struggle that the author himself has shared. This wise and inspiring book is the fruit of those struggles, offering a real and glorious vision of what it can mean to seek God in prayer. Keller begins by giving a theological underpinning of what prayer actually is - both conversation and encounter with a personal God - before describing how we can learn to pray, and then deepen that prayer. Finally he gives detailed, practical suggestions on how to make prayer a part of the reality of daily life.

Read more less

Ben Freeth established his credentials to write on this topic through his courageous and successful resistance to the bullying tactics employed by the Mugabe regime in Zimbabwe to throw him and his family off their land, a story told in Mugabe and the White African. He now throws his net wider to ask: what response should Christians make to corruption and injustice when perpetrated by governments? Justice is a fundamental aspect of the Judeo-Christian faith. Ben explores this theme through his own experience of government oppression in Zimbabwe, and through contemporary instances where Christians have - or have not - stood up to be counted. He considers the Biblical injunction to obey your rulers, and examines the issues of fear and complacency: sometimes Christians are compromised by their relationship with the ruling group. What is our duty? Most Christians feel powerless. What can we actually do, as individuals, and as a group?

Read more less

Why and How Should I Read the Bible? is a chapter from Nicky Gumbel's book, Questions of Life, and the sixth talk on Alpha. Nicky Gumbel looks at the reasons why to read the Bible and ways we can read the Word of God. This is a great booklet to pass along to family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. It can also be given to a guest who may have missed this Alpha talk.Alpha creates an environment of hospitality where people can bring their friends, family, and work colleagues to explore the Christian faith, ask questions and share their point of view. Alpha makes it easy to invite friends to have spiritual conversations which explore life's biggest questions in a safe and respectful way. Alpha's approach to hospitality, faith, and discussion is designed to welcome everyone, especially those who might not describe themselves as Christians or church-goers. Each session includes time for a large group meal, short teaching, and small group discussion.This resource is written in Spanish.

Read more less

"His stories shimmer like revelations – the clarity, mystery, beauty, depth, and sheer, thrilling peculiarity of ordinary life when the veil lifts. They’re exhilarating to read, just as exhilarating to re-read." —Deborah EisenbergChildhood does not last long in the Argentine mountains of Córdoba, and adult lives fall apart quickly. In disarming, darkly humorous stories, Federico Falco explores themes of obsessive love, romantic attachment and the strategies we must find to cope with death and painful longing.In the middle of a blizzard a widow watches the ruin of her late-husband’s garden, until suddenly she sees a woman running naked in the falling snow. After telling her parents she is abandoning her Christian faith, a girl becomes infatuated with a Mormon missionary who reminds her of a boy killed in her village years before. When his family’s home is lost, a father desperately offers his daughter’s hand in marriage to anyone who will take them in. And a town’s mayor tries to fulfill his father’s dying wish – to design the perfect cemetery.

Read more less

Faith in the Great Physician tells the story of how participants in the evangelical divine healing movement of the late nineteenth century transformed the ways Americans coped with physical affliction and pursued bodily health. Examining the politics of sickness, health, and healing during this period, Heather D. Curtis encourages critical reflection on the theological, cultural, and social forces that come into play when one questions the purpose of suffering and the possibility of healing. Curtis finds that advocates of divine healing worked to revise a deep-seated Christian ethic that linked physical suffering with spiritual holiness. By engaging in devotional disciplines and participating in social reform efforts, proponents of faith cure embraced a model of spiritual experience that endorsed active service, rather than passive endurance, as the proper Christian response to illness and pain. Emphasizing the centrality of religious practices to the enterprise of divine healing, Curtis sheds light on the relationship among Christian faith, medical science, and the changing meanings of suffering and healing in American culture.

Read more less