Религия: прочее
Различные книги в жанре Религия: прочееDreams, Doubt, and Dread
Films are modern spiritual phenomena. They function as such in at least three profound ways: world projection, thought experiments, and catharsis (i.e., as dreams, doubt, and dread). Understanding film in this way allows for a theological account of the experience that speaks to the religious possibilities of film that far extend the portrayal of religious themes or content. Dreams, Doubt, and Dread: The Spiritual in Film aims to address films as spiritual experiences. This collection of short essays and dialogues examines films phenomenologically–through the experience of the viewer as an agent having been acted upon in the functioning of the film itself. Authors were invited to take one of the main themes and creatively consider how film, in their experiences, has provided opportunities for new modes of thinking. Contributors will then engaged one another in a dialogue about the similarities and differences in their descriptions of film as spiritual phenomena. The intended aim of this text is to shift contemporary theological film engagement away from a simple mode of analysis in which theological concepts are simply read into the film itself and begin to let films speak for themselves as profoundly spiritual experiences.
Being the Body of Christ in the Age of Management
"The church needs effective leaders." "We must be more missional." "Better organization is required." Such sentiments are commonplace among Christians concerned with the health and sustainability of their local church as well as the church universal. Over the past thirty years, the desire for more efficiently run, effectively led, and organizationally sound churches has contributed to an approach to thinking about the church in terms uncritically assumed from the business and management sector. This has given rise to treating the church as if it were just another social body in need of better organization. The question is, what happens when we apply the logic of management techniques to an organization that identifies as the body of Christ? Drawing on organizational theory, theological anthropology, and sacramental theology, this book navigates a path for Christians that avoids reducing the church to just another organization, while providing a vision for the church as the social body where all are invited to connect and be made members of Christ and each other. Such a vision provides an alternative to the social categorization that would define the church by its organizational character rather than its eschatological destiny.
Fooling Ourselves with Fig Leaves
In his letter to the church in Galatia, the Apostle Paul addresses the inefficacy of religious tradition for salvation and reaffirms the completeness of Jesus Christ's redemptive work for our deliverance and righteousness. Fooling Ourselves with Fig Leaves is an attempt to take the message of the Galatian epistle and apply it to today's spiritual context. In it, the author takes us through a journey of discovery and insight as he exposes the deceptive nature of religion, and highlights efficacy of justification by grace through faith.
As a professor and pastor, Miciano writes with a desire to be faithful to the integrity of the ancient text while being mindful of the needs of believers and seekers today. This makes for an engaging read in exploring the age-old pursuit of knowing God and enjoying him forever.
Preaching Gospel
Teaching preaching, like preaching itself, is a noble endeavor. After nearly four decades of teaching, Richard Lischer has sent legions of preachers across the world to preach gospel. This volume pays tribute to his faith-filled life of preaching and teaching. The contributors, some of whom were taught by Lischer, have received many laurels themselves, so readers will find in these pages wisdom for preaching from many quarters. Some authors include sermons with helpful commentary about the preaching exercise; some offer essays to illuminate the task of sermon writing; all acknowledge the influence of Richard Lischer on their preaching and teaching endeavors.
Face to Face
Like falling in love, this book argues that a relationship with God begins with surprise, proceeds with discovery, and shapes a life that comes to share a story of love. This book does not describe God, but pursues the nature of personally relating with the triune God. Consequently, it also engages how we relate with humans made in God's image. We finish the Face-to-Face series with this most mysterious and fulfilling encounter–a personal engagement with the Relational God, known as a community of persons who invite us to share in their life.
Finding God in Scripture
Why should I read the Bible? Isn't it just a lifeless and detached piece of history, an ancient relic? You may have heard people ask these questions or even asked them yourself. This book will help you find the answers to understanding the Bible in a twenty-first-century context. We have progressed as a civilization, there is no doubt. The advances in computer technology, communication, and science, have improved the quality of our lives. But fundamentally–at the core–the desires and motivations of humans remain the same and it is to this that the Bible speaks most clearly. However, interpreting the Bible requires intellectual curiosity, commitment, and a desire to discover truth. Finding God In Scripture will equip you to better understand the nature of the Bible's message and the dynamics of how to interpret it. For example, just like today's modern writers, biblical authors used various literary techniques such as the complexities associated with plot and characterization in narrative or the use of poetry, evoking emotions. These literary techniques were intended to convey God's message and involvement in the world. Finding God In Scripture will show you that there is more to the Bible than the communication of historical information; there is a reality–a truth that can transform your life.
Beyond the Borders of Baptism
People worldwide find themselves part of overlapping communities of identity and belonging–racial, political, cultural, sexual, ideological. Some identities, like brand loyalties, are chosen; some, like class identity, are imposed. As followers of Jesus Christ, those called to live iln between the age that is and the age to come, Christians ask what it means to be part of the body of Christ, God's new creation from among the nations, in a world filled with other nations. «Who–and whose–are we?» There is no easy answer, no time at which Christians got it completely right. Yet such questions must be addressed, and the stakes are high. Matters of war and peace, exclusion and inclusion, who starves and who does not, the credibility of the gospel itself–all are caught up in the whirl of identities, allegiances imposed or refused, and questions about what «the church» might possibly mean in such circumstances. In this book, a distinguished group of scholars from five continents asks, «How can the church respect the diversity of its members–many nations, cultures, and communities–while maintaining a coherent witness to the kingdom of God that is not undermined by more parochial ideologies or priorities?»
Chapter Contributors: Braden Anderson Maria Clara Lucchetti Bingemer Michael Budde Matthew Butler William Cavanaugh Jose Mario Francisco Peter Galadza Stanley Hauerwas Daniel Izuzquiza Slavica Jakelic Pantelis Kalaitzidis Eunice Karanja Kamaara Emmanuel Katongole Dorian Llywelyn Martin Menke Agbonkhianmeghe E. Orobator A. Alexander Stummvoll
Opening Hearts by Opening Minds
Connie Fulks Mullins (formerly Wineland)
This book is for Christian readers of fiction who might experience difficulty trying to make an informed choice beyond what is being published by evangelical presses. Marketed to a specific target audience, evangelical fiction oftentimes leaves a reader with a strong emotional response but lacks the literary depth or the breadth of subject that could inspire life-changing spiritual growth. With this premise at the heart of her book, Connie Wineland includes her own story of conversion to Christianity by way of reading fiction. During her late twenties and early thirties, particularly while in graduate school, Wineland became immersed in literary and rhetorical studies while also practicing an Eastern form of religion as well as Native American spirituality. However, despite all her training in literary theory, her readings in Romantic, Victorian, modern, and postmodern literature (which she explains), as well as her personal interest in mythology and world religions, kept her questioning the existence of God and the possible nature of God.
Then, as a relatively new convert to Christianity, she faced several challenges at a small Christian college where she taught literature and writing courses. Eventually wanting to reach beyond the academic community, Wineland began a local Christian readers' group, which she ran for four years. She includes in this book resources and materials such as sample syllabi and study-guide questions, useful Web addresses, and plenty of how-to information for starting and running your own book club. Also included is an extensive list of annotated titles of recommended reading to get anyone started!
Marriage and the Counsel of God
Marriage and the Counsel of God is the product of over twenty-two years of biblical study and pastoral counseling. The text and accompanying workbook have proven themselves an effective means of preparing couples for marriage, of supporting those already married, and of recovering marriages that are failing. The text focuses on the biblical model for marriage found in Genesis and Ephesians while following an outline of basic Christian beliefs (e.g., the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, baptism, Holy Communion, and confession/absolution). The essential elements of these beliefs are considered for their import in the Christian life in general and regarding marriage in particular. Abundant Scripture references are provided, as well as examples from real-life situations. These and other helpful resources are also given in indices for quick reference. The book and workbook are written in clear, nontechnical, and engaging language and so are aimed for students and teachers of counseling, for counseling professionals, for pastors, and for the public in general.
Life Sentences
Whether from established authors or by writers new to fiction, the short stories in this volume explore life as change, using Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 as the lens.
The writers come from different backgrounds, perspectives, and levels of familiarity with the short story, but what ties them together is a willingness to creatively explore the raw and more uncomfortable dimensions of life–big events and small happenings–all bound up by a recognition of the inevitability and (dis)comfort of change. Each writer has a story to tell, a creative and imaginative angle on life as it happens somewhere to someone.
Life Sentences represents an experiment, a recognition of and confrontation with the depth of culture and culture's life maps, with the ways in which the joys and troubles of life are given meaning. This collection attempts to address these large (and small) challenges and dynamics of life without the jargon of the professional philosopher or theologian but with the more «earthy» language of popular culture: the short story.