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When God Talks Back: Understanding the American Evangelical Relationship with God
By T. M. Luhrmann. 2012
How does God become and remain real for modern evangelicals? How are rational, sensible people of faith able to experience…
the presence of a powerful yet invisible being and sustain that belief in an environment of overwhelming skepticism? T. M. Luhrmann, an anthropologist trained in psychology and the acclaimed author of Of Two Minds, explores the extraordinary process that leads some believers to a place where God is profoundly real and his voice can be heard amid the clutter of everyday thoughts. While attending services and various small group meetings at her local branch of the Vineyard, an evangelical church with hundreds of congregations across the country, Luhrmann sought to understand how some members were able to communicate with God, not just through one-sided prayers but with discernable feedback. Some saw visions, while others claimed to hear the voice of God himself. For these congregants and many other Christians, God was intensely alive. After holding a series of honest, personal interviews with Vineyard members who claimed to have had isolated or ongoing supernatural experiences with God, Luhrmann hypothesized that the practice of prayer could train a person to hear God's voice--to use one's mind differently and focus on God's voice until it became clear. A subsequent experiment conducted between people who were and weren't practiced in prayer further illuminated her conclusion. For those who have trained themselves to concentrate on their inner experiences, God is experienced in the brain as an actual social relationship: his voice was identified, and that identification was trusted and regarded as real and interactive. Astute, deeply intelligent, and sensitive, When God Talks Back is a remarkable approach to the intersection of religion, psychology, and science, and the effect it has on the daily practices of the faithful.From the Hardcover edition.Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts: A Personal Inventory Method
By Kenneth C Kinghorn. 1981
Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts: A Personal Inventory Method is designed to help Christians identify the specific gifts God has given…
them. While no Christian possesses every gift of the Spirit, every Christian does have some of God’s wonderful gifts. And to be effective in ministry, Christians must find and use these gifts. This volume features an "inventory" of spiritual gifts designed to be taken either in a group or privately. This book will help clear up certain misconceptions about spiritual gifts and assist Christians in discovering the gifts God has within them.Science and the Trinity: The Christian Encounter with Reality
By John C. Polkinghorne. 2004
Most often, the dialogue between religion and science is initiated by the discoveries of modern science--big bang cosmology, evolution, or…
quantum theory, for example. In this book, scientist-theologian John Polkinghorne changes the discussion. He approaches the dialogue from a little-explored perspective in which theology shapes the argument and sets the agenda of questions to be considered. The author begins with a review of approaches to science and religion in which the classification focuses on theological content rather than on methodological technique. He then proceeds with chapters discussing the role of Scripture, a theology of nature, the doctrine of God, sacramental theology, and eschatology. Throughout, Polkinghorne takes the perspective of Trinitarian thinking while arguing in a style that reflects the influence of his career as a theoretical physicist. In the final chapter, the author defends the appropriateness of addressing issues of science and religion from the specific standpoint of his Christian belief. His book provides an important model for theologians and scientists alike, showing how their two fields can inform one another in significant ways.Dangerous Ground: My Friendship with a Serial Killer
By M. William Phelps. 2011
It was a bold, life-changing decision when award-winning investigative journalist M. William Phelps asked one of America’s most disturbing convicted…
serial killers to co-star with him on TV’s Dark Minds. Now Phelps reveals the identity of the man code-named “Raven”—and tells the story of their intriguing bond. For as Raven shared his insights into the minds and crimes of other killers, making the series an international sensation, he also became Phelps’s unlikely confidante, ally—and friend . . . Here is an unforgettable journey into the heart of a psychopath few would dare to know—and the determined journalist who did just that.A Global Introduction to Baptist Churches
By Robert E. Johnson. 2010
Coinciding with the four-hundredth anniversary of the birth of the Baptist movement, this book explores and assesses the cultural sources…
of Baptist beliefs and practices. Although the movement has been embraced, enriched, and revised by numerous cultural heritages, the Baptist movement has focused on a small group of Anglo exiles in Amersterdam in constructing its history and identity. Robert E. Johnson seeks to recapture the varied cultural and theological sources of Baptist tradition and to give voice to the diverse global elements of the movement that have previously been excluded or marginalized. With an international communion of over 110 million persons in more than 225,000 congregations, Baptists constitute the world's largest aggregate of evangelical Protestants. This work offers insight into the diversity, breadth, and complexity of the cultural influences that continue to shape Baptist identity today.The Cambridge Companion to Christian Philosophical Theology
By Charles Taliaferro, Chad Meister. 2010
This Companion offers an up-to-date overview of the beliefs, doctrines, and practices of the key philosophical concepts at the heart…
of Christian theology. The sixteen chapters, commissioned specially for this volume, are written by an internationally recognized team of scholars and examine topics such as the Trinity, God's necessary existence, simplicity, omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, goodness, eternity and providence, the incarnation, resurrection, atonement, sin and salvation, the problem of evil, church rites, revelation and miracles, prayer, and the afterlife. Written in non-technical, accessible language, they not only offer a synthesis of scholarship on these topics but also suggest questions and topics for further investigation.James Jesse Strang
By Don Faber. 2016
Few lives experience a meteoric rise and fall like that of James Jesse Strang's. An unsuccessful lawyer from upstate New…
York, he converted to Mormonism in 1844 and quickly entered the inner circle of the controversial new faiths founder, Joseph Smith Jr. Upon Smith's assassination, Strang sought to be named his successor as leader of the Mormons, Instead, he was excommunicated in 1850, though not before gathering a group of followers, who settled with him on remote Beaver Island in northern Lake Michigan and ordained Strang king of the small enclave. King Strang elicited both ire and stubborn admiration from an ever-growing list of opponents, his actions closely monitored by President Millard Fillmore himself. In 1866, Strang was assassinated, seemingly with the assistance of federal authorities. This captivating new biography by Don Faber recounts the fascinating story of Strang's path from impoverished New York farm boy to one of the most colorful and contentious personalities in Michigan history. Avoiding the nonsense, misinformation, and twisted facts so prevalent about the man, readers meet the historical Strang stripped of myth, demonization, and popular fancy-a true celebrity of the mid-nineteenth century who both shaped and was shaped by the colorful times in which he lived. This book will appeal to readers interested in the history of Michigan, the nineteenth century, and the Second Great Awakening. Book jacket.The Cambridge Companion to Puritanism
By John Coffey, Paul C. H. Lim. 2008
'Puritan' was originally a term of contempt, and 'Puritanism' has often been stereotyped by critics and admirers alike. As a…
distinctive and particularly intense variety of early modern Reformed Protestantism, it was a product of acute tensions within the post-Reformation Church of England. But it was never monolithic or purely oppositional, and its impact reverberated far beyond seventeenth-century England and New England. This Companion broadens our understanding of Puritanism, showing how students and scholars might engage with it from new angles and uncover the surprising diversity that fermented beneath its surface. The book explores issues of gender, literature, politics and popular culture in addition to addressing the Puritans' core concerns such as theology and devotional praxis, and coverage extends to Irish, Welsh, Scottish and European versions of Puritanism as well as to English and American practice. It challenges readers to re-evaluate this crucial tradition within its wider social, cultural, political and religious contexts.Angels All Around Us
By Anthony Destefano. 2011
In Angels All Around Us, the international bestselling author of A Travel Guide to Heaven and Ten Prayers God Always…
Says Yes To explains the awesome and mysterious reality of the spiritual dimension that surrounds and permeates our very existence. All aspects of the spiritual realm are discussed, including the existence of angels and demons, the whereabouts of loved ones who have passed, the gift of grace, heaven, hell, and even the presence and activity of God in our lives. Completely consistent with traditional Christian teaching, Angels All Around Us will help readers embrace a certitude that makes it easier to act according to their moral beliefs, give them a greater sense of the richness of life, and show them that no amount of suffering--physical, mental, or emotional--will ever be able to destroy the profound sense of inner peace that they can experience on a daily basis.Creative Bible Lessons in John: Encounters with Jesus
By Janice, Ashcraft. 1996
Do you want to teach solid Biblical truth to your kids without their eyes glazing over as soon as you…
say "open your Bibles"? Now you can, with Creative Bible Lessons in John: Encounters with Jesus. Following in the successful path of Youth Specialties' instant bestseller Creative Bible Lessons on the Life of Christ by Doug Fields, veteran family life and youth workers Janice and Jay Ashcraft have created 12 lively, ready-to-use lessons that actually make it fun to dig into Scripture. The Ashcrafts utilize creative learning techniques to spark your kids interest and keep them actively involved in each lesson, including: - Learning Games - Discussions - Video and Music - Skits, Melodramas, and Role-plays - "Digging Deeper" Investigations - Interactive Worksheets - And much more! These lessons are clear, easy-to-use, and complete. You'll be able to build in-depth, creative Bible teaching into your busy schedule with Creative Bible Lessons in John: Encounters with Jesus. 12 lessons.Classic Christianity
By Thomas C. Oden. 1992
For the first time, Thomas Oden's Systematic Theology classic series (individually titled The Living God, The Word of Life, and…
Life in the Spirit) is available in one complete volume. A renowned theologian, Oden provides a consensus view of the Christian faith, delving deeply into ancient Christian tradition and bringing to the contemporary church the best wisdom from its past. In this magisterial work, Oden tackles the central questions of Christian belief and the nature of the trinity. Written for clergy, Christian educators, religious scholars, and lay readers alike, Classic Christianity provides the best synthesis of the whole history of Christian thought. Part one explores the most intriguing questions of the study of God--Does God exist? Does Jesus reveal God? Is God personal, compassionate, free?--and presents answers that reflect the broad consensus culled from the breadth of the church's teachers. It is rooted deeply and deliberately in scripture but confronts the contemporary mind with the vitality of the Christian tradition. Part two addresses the perplexing Christological issues of whether God became flesh, whether God became Christ, and whether Christ is the source of salvation. Oden details the core beliefs concerning Jesus Christ that have been handed down for the last two hundred decades, namely, who he was, what he did, and what that means for us today. Part three examines how the work of God in creation and redemption is being brought to consummation by the Holy Spirit in persons, through communities, and in the fullness of human destiny. Oden's magisterial study not only treats the traditional elements of systematical theology but also highlights the foundational exegetes throughout history. Covering the ecumenical councils and early synods; the great teachers of the Eastern church tradition, including Athanasius and John Chrysostom; and the prominent Western figures such as Augustine, Ambrose, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, and John Calvin, this book offers the reader the fullest understanding of the Christian faith available.A Stone for a Pillow: Journeys with Jacob (The Genesis Trilogy #2)
By Madeleine L'Engle, Rachel Held Evans. 1986
In this book for the curious spiritual seeker Madeleine L Engle offers relevant lessons drawn from the life…
of Jacob from the Old Testament P P Here the son of Isaac becomes a spiritual companion to L Engle equipping her to deal with earthly and psychological struggles Throughout her journey L Engle offers contemporary answers to questions that burden modern day readers and believers With her customary fearlessness and candor she broaches such topics as the significance of angels redemption sexual identity forgiveness and the seemingly constant conflict between good and evil P Madeleine L Engle possesses the same ambidextrous skill of storytelling as other literary giants including C S Lewis and George MacDonald Her fictional stories appeal to generations of readers and are equally embraced in both the secular and religious markets But it is her ability in her nonfiction to engage with the historical text of the Bible through a dynamic unpacking of protagonists antagonists and matters of faith that establishes the Genesis Trilogy as a highly treasured collection of spiritual writings P A Stone for a Pillow acts as a compass for those traveling through the tumultuous landscape of faith in our cynical and divisive modern cultureAnd It Was Good: Reflections on Beginnings (The Genesis Trilogy #1)
By Madeleine L'Engle, Rachel Held Evans. 1983
In the first book of her Genesis Trilogy beloved author Madeleine L Engle casts long loving and…
perceptive glances not only at the created universe but also at its Creator P P L Engle often crafted stories that dealt with the complexities of the universe navigating time and space religion and science with uncanny ease and insight This skill--most famously demonstrated in A Wrinkle in Time--is showcased in this nonfiction work And It Was Good through her ability to see the connection between Made and Maker at every level She examines the vast beauty order and complexity of our world with enthusiasm and reverence illuminating the characteristics of God the first poet P Madeleine L Engle possesses the same ambidextrous skill of storytelling as other literary giants including C S Lewis and George MacDonald Her fictional stories appeal to generations of readers and are equally embraced in both the secular and religious markets P But it is her ability in her nonfiction to engage with the historical text of the Bible through a dynamic unpacking of protagonists antagonists and matters of faith that establishes The Genesis Trilogy as a highly treasured collection of spiritual writings And It Was Good beautifully approaches both the biblical text and creation itself with an intelligence and sensitivity that appeals to all seekers looking for a fresh communion with God in the natural worldGood News is For Sharing
By Leighton Ford. 1966
Good news begs to be shared. Christians have the responsibility and the privilege of passing on the good news that…
through faith in Jesus Christ, eternal and abundant life is offered to all people.And yet why are we so often reluctant to share? Why, even when we sometimes feel a strong sense of "oughtness" about being a witness to Jesus Christ, do we fail to do it?Leighton Ford identifies and offers biblical solutions to overcome our hesitancy:+ Fear of how people will react+ Not knowing how to communicate or what to say+ The belief that evangelism or being a witness is "just not my gift"+ A distorted view of what evangelism involvesLeighton Ford believes in evangelism. It is his mission in life to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. He also knows that the style of our evangelism as well as the message must be good news.This book offers the hows, whens, and wheres of responsible and natural faith-sharing. It's a guide to evangelism that works.Good News Is for Sharing informs, equips, motivates, and encourages a natural, human, and personal way to share the Good News of Jesus Christ to help make friends for God.The Christ of the Indian Road
By E. Stanley Jones. 2014
Contents: Messenger and the Message; Motive and End of Christian Missions; Growing Moral and Spiritual Supremacy of Jesus; Jesus Comes…
Through Irregular Channels, Mahatma Gandhi's Part; Through the Regular Channels, Some Evangelistic Series; Great HindranWith Friends Like These
By Reshonda Tate Billingsley. 2007
The third book in an exciting and inspiring new series from national bestselling author ReShonda Tate Billingsley Only one girl…
will be chosen.... In the year since Camille, Alexis, Jasmine, and Angel joined Rachel Jackson's church youth group, the four best friends have bonded over boys, pitched in on community projects, and shared their deepest secrets. There's nothing they don't know about each other -- or is there? When a special guest arrives at Rachel's group and announces auditions for a television talk show, the girls will come to know a side of each other they never knew existed. And they may not like what they see. Will the four friends become enemies? The race to find the perfect host for KRCP's Teen Talks is heating up -- the competition is fierce, and so are the lies the girlfriends tell about each other in order to win the coveted spot. But more painful than any lies they can concoct is the cold, hard truth: none of them will reach their ultimate dreams if cutting each other down is how they choose to get ahead. Is winning a place in the spotlight worth losing their friendship? Includes a reader's group guide! Be sure to read the previous novels in ReShonda Tate Billingsley's fresh and fun series that looks at the Ten Commandments in a whole new light: Nothing But Drama and Blessings in Disguise -- now available! ReShonda Tate Billingsley is a general assignment reporter for KRIV-TV, the Fox affiliate in Houston, Texas. She is the author of the nonfiction book Help! I've Turned Into My Mother! and three previous adult novels: My Brother's Keeper, for which she received the prestigious Gold Pen Award for Best New Author from the Black Writer's Alliance and the Nova Lee Nation Award from the Greater Dallas Writing Association; the national bestseller Let the Church Say Amen, chosen for Library Journal's Best of 2004 list for Christian fiction; and I Know I've Been Changed, a Main Selection of the Black Expressions Book Club. Her previous Christian teen novels are Nothing But Drama and Blessings in Disguise, both available from Pocket Books. She is also a contributor to the story anthology Have a Little Faith. Visit her website at www.reshondatatebillingsley.com.Preaching in the New Millennium: Celebrating the Tercentennial of Yale University
By Frederick J. Streets. 2005
In this collection of sermons, fifteen distinguished religious leaders reflect upon the moral, social, and political nature of our time.…
The sermons originated during the Tercentennial celebrations at Yale University, and they provide a vivid snapshot of the rich religious history of Yale and its contribution to the character of our nation. Some of America's most prominent religious figures are here, among them William Willimon, William Sloane Coffin, Peter Gomes, Gardner Taylor, and Barbara Brown Taylor. Their sermons offer valuable religious and intellectual insights into our national consciousness both before and after the tragedies of September 11, 2001. In a lively introduction to the volume, Rev. Frederick J. Streets sets the collection in context and contemplates the past and present nature of religious life at Yale.The Value of Homelessness
By Craig Willse. 2015
It is all too easy to assume that social service programs respond to homelessness, seeking to prevent and understand it.…
The Value of Homelessness, however, argues that homelessness today is an effect of social services and sciences, which shape not only what counts as such but what will?or ultimately won't?be done about it. Through a history of U.S. housing insecurity from the 1930s to the present, Craig Willse traces the emergence and consolidation of a homeless services industry. How to most efficiently allocate resources to control ongoing insecurity has become the goal, he shows, rather than how to eradicate the social, economic, and political bases of housing needs. Drawing on his own years of work in homeless advocacy and activist settings, as well as interviews conducted with program managers, counselors, and staff at homeless services organizations in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle, Willse provides the first analysis of how housing insecurity becomes organized as a governable social problem.An unprecedented and powerful historical account of the development of contemporary ideas about homelessness and how to manage homelessness, The Value of Homelessness offers new ways for students and scholars of social work, urban inequality, racial capitalism, and political theory to comprehend the central role of homelessness in governance and economy today.Bishop Von Galen: German Catholicism and National Socialism
By Beth A. Griech-Polelle. 2002
In January 1937 several German Catholic cardinals and bishops, including Bishop Clemens August Graf von Galen, traveled to Rome to…
ask Pope Pius XI to issue a public statement about the perils faced by Catholics in Nazi Germany. The German clergymen drafted what later came to be known as the papal encyclical Mit brennender Sorge.In Search of the Early Christians: Selected Essays
By Wayne A. Meeks, Allen R. Hilton, H. Gregory Snyder. 2001
A central figure in the reconception of early Christian history over the last three decades, Wayne A. Meeks offers here…
a selection of his most influential writings on the New Testament and early Christianity. His essays illustrate recent changes in our thinking about the early Christian movement and pose provocative questions regarding the history of this period. Meeks explores a fascinating range of topics, from the figure of the androgyne in antiquity to the timeless matter of God's reliability, from Paul's ethical rhetoric to New Testament pictures of Christianity's separation from Jewish communities. Meeks' introduction offers a retrospective on New Testament studies of the past thirty years and explains the intersection of these studies with a variety of exploratory and revisionist movements in the humanities, embracing social theory, history, anthropology, and literature. In an epilogue the author reflects on future directions for New Testament scholarship.