A tree is more than its various parts, and those parts nourish us in different ways. Just so, God is more than the Father who gives life; the Son who came to earth and lived, died, and rose again for our salvation; and the Holy Spirit, the power and life of God within the hearts of those who love God. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit make themselves known to us in very different ways, and yet they are all God. God provides for us the nourishment we need to live full and happy lives. For ages 6-8
The Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries provide compact, critical commentaries on the books of the Old Testament for the use of theological students and pastors. The commentaries are also useful for upper-level college or university students and for those responsible for teaching in congregational settings. In addition to providing basic information and insights into the Old Testament writings, these commentaries exemplify the tasks and procedures of careful interpretation, to assist students of the Old Testament in coming to an informed and critical engagement with the biblical texts themselves. The present volume gives an up-to-date, readable commentary on the book of Ecclesiastes. The commentary covers critical issues section by section while emphasizing the larger theological and literary issues in Ecclesiastes and illustrating its relevance for modern readers."e;The unique book of Ecclesiastes requires a unique kind of commentary, one that probes its ancient wisdom with critical deference, appreciates its frustrating ambiguity, and extends its insights in ways that are profoundly relevant for contemporary readers. Julie Duncan's treatment succeeds in every respect. Elegantly written, her commentary explores the book's ancient Near Eastern context in fresh ways and engages Qohelet's wisdom with some of the most pressing questions of our day, demonstrating that there may be ';nothing new under the sun' after all. Highly recommended for both student and scholar."e; - William P. Brown, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary "e;While the literary and historical context and the exegetical analysis are first-rate, the theological/existential reflections are simply superb."e; - Gerald Janzen, MacAllister-Petticrew emeritus Professor of Old Testament, Christian Theological Seminary"e;The beauty of Ecclesiastes is a subtle and mysterious one, simultaneously profound and poetic, reticent and reluctant to yield everything too quickly or easily; it repays only the most ardent admirers. We are particularly fortunate, then, to have this commentary from Julie Duncan, whose insights into the book are equally compelling, insightful, and beautifully poetic. This is theological-existential commentary at its best, a true interpretation of (not simply observations about) the text, an elegant treatment where one encounters Qoheleth in conversation with everything from Gilgamesh and Ahiqar to Shakespeare, Camus, Tolstoy, and T. S. Eliot to William James, Woody Allen, and Etty Hillesum. This is a beautiful commentary--one to be savored."e; - Brent A. Strawn, Professor of Old Testament, Emory University"e;Julie Duncan has gifted us with a beautifully written, truly empathetic reading of Ecclesiastes. Her artful treatment breathes grace and pathos even into Qohelet's most maddening conundrums, making Ecclesiastes more compelling than ever. Duncan's solid scholarship will rightfully stake a place in the landscape of Ecclesiastes commentaries, yet her teacher's voice remains accessible to students. By accenting her careful exegesis with insightful epigraphs and illustrations, she ushers our dialogue with Qohelet out of the past and into our own imaginations. Hurry, everyone! Organize your Ecclesiastes class now, because the perfect text has finally arrived!"e; - Lisa M. Wolfe, Professor, Endowed Chair of Hebrew Bible, Oklahoma City University';Julie Duncan's in-depth analysis of Ecclesiastes provides provocative insights into the text's literary and theological settings, thus averting the misunderstandings that have marred the history of this book's interpretation. With exquisite taste in words and metaphors, and with references to ancient and modern literature and contemporary life, the author takes the reader into the ancient writer's search for meaning, making this book a must for those who have always loved Ecclesiastes but aren't sure why.' Osvaldo D. Vena, professor of New Testament interpretation, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, IL
How did Israel become a people? Is the biblical story accurate? In what sense, if any, is the biblical story true? Are the origins of these ancient people lost in myth or is there hope to discovering who they were and how they lived? These questions divide students and scholars alike.While many believe the "e;Conquest"e; is only a fable, this book will present a different view. Using biblical materials and the new archaeological data, this title tells how the ancient Israelites settled in Canaan and became the people of Israel.The stakes for understanding the history of ancient Israel are high. The Old Testament tells us that Yahweh led the Hebrews into the land of Canaan and commanded them to drive its indigenous inhabitants out and settle in their place. This account has often served as justification for the possession of the land by the modern state of Israel. Archaeology is a "e;weapon"e; in the debate, used by both Israelis and Palestinians trying to write each other out of the historical narrative. This book provides needed background for the issues and will be of interest to those concerned with the complexity of Arab-Israeli relations.
Laugh out loud with this richly illustrated, tongue-in-cheek approach to the history of philosophy and religion.
Most Jews, Muslims, and Christians are devoted and faithful. Still, on any given day, it's difficult to avoid the vigorous and heated disputes between them, whether over the ';Ground Zero' mosque, lobbying state legislatures against Sharia law, sharing worship space, dissecting the fallout of the Arab Spring, protecting civil rights, or challenging the authority of sacred texts. With so much rancor, can there be any common ground? Do they even worship the same God? And can religion, which often is so divisive, be any help at all?Four internationally known scholars set out to tackle these deceptively simple questions in an accessible way. Some scholars argue that while beliefs about God may differ, the object of worship is ultimately the same. However, these authors take a more pragmatic view. While they may disagree, they nevertheless assert that whatever they answers to these questions, the three faiths must find the will (politically, socially, and personally) to tolerate differences.Perhaps what can help us move forward as pluralistic people is ia focus on the goal peace with justice for all.
The Christian message needs a new interpreter: one that is particular enough to know and interpret the tradition but broad enough to evoke thought and feeling from broader groups of people, including evangelicals, liberals, and those who are disenchanted with churched religion and who describe themselves as spiritual but not religious, yet are fond of the Jesus tradition. This book helps readers to understand the new landscape and its key figure, Rob Bell, by bringing a reasoned voice to the conversation and shedding light on the story, directions, and emotional power of the figure who Andy Crouch claims will be the main influence on Christians in this generation. While his theology is seen as a theo-political stage by church leaders, when Rob Bell tours and speaks, it is the unchurched, the people in the pew, the people who want to be in the pew, who are listening-by the thousands. His recent placement on the cover of Time magazine sealed his import on the American landscape for anyone interested in religion. Jonathan Nathan, a bookbuyer for the Harvard COOP, the largest booksellers in New England with a significant religion section says that no book has ever sold like Rob Bell's to an audience that is young, thoughtful, and college-educated. Bell's church has 10k members, and his influence has affected every sector of the American protestant church. Why? Because Rob Bell has caused the whole evangelical world to rethink the scope of SALVATION with one single question: who gets to be saved? With that short sentence Bell has initiated a whole new movement in rethinking what it means to be an evangelical. A movement that has only begun. Not only are heaven and hell at stake, but salvation itself. Is it meant for all or for only a small elect group-and if so, who gets to decide the parameters of that small group? If heaven and hell are not ultimate identifiers for a life of faith, can the passion to evangelize be maintained? If salvation is not either/or, but both/and, does the whole idea of world evangelism simply disappear? Rob Bell has created another question for Evangelicals: Will you decide to live in a closed world of your own making or an open world? Those most influenced by Rob Bell are younger Evangelicals who are dying to open up their worlds. Rob Bell just gave them permission. According to Andy Crouch, his is the voice that will most influence this current generation. For Liberals, Rob Bell gives them reason to be passionate about their faith and to think in big terms about it without giving up their minds and their questions. For the conservatives, he's the voice that young Christians are looking to and admiring, and even if they disagree, they are trying to observe and imitate his approach and appeal. Rob Bell doesn't have the personality to sink into some religious subculture: He is a new super religious brand, the Apple or Pixar of his generation. Evangelicals will buy it because they want to damn him, imitate him, or do both. Liberal religionists will buy it because they know that he is a Schleiermachian figure, making a case for faith to its cultured despisers with passion and a new aesthetic. Spiritual but not religious folks will buy it because Rob Bell has an invitation and appeal that is rare, and appeals well beyond holy huddles. As an authorized biography, that will allow for extensive interviews with Bell and his some of his congregants. This will include interviews with outside informed supporters and those that reject him and his theology. The book will reveal what makes him "e;tick,"e; how his Wheaton College background affected his work, and how he is dealing with accusations of being on the border of evangelical heresy. This book will be researched and written over the next two month, with a finish date of December 1. Half or more will be available by the fall AAR/SBL annual meeting, with the plan to have Rob Bell and the author presenting. The book will show how is he challenging orthodoxy and why theologians are upset. It will outline the key players in the debate. It will also argue that no matter what the theologians say, people are still attending Bell's church, listening to him speak. This is in large part because the man has a pastor's heart. He cares about his people. The theologians aren't reclaiming the conversation; they are making themselves irrelevant as the people who want genuine faith and are coming to Rob Bell's books and talks because, as Bell said, "e;when the woman coming to church tells me she has stopped cutting herself and that a life of faith makes a difference"e;--that's where the real things are happening. Finally, people like him, he is a charismatic speaker that young people are listening to: He has something to say, and he is pastorally living the heart of what he is saying.
The Book of Revelation has been mysterious, confusing, and misunderstood for centuries. Its content has been studied and analyzed by scholars from every corner of the globe. What is it about Revelationthat draws us to it? Is this biblical book about end-time mysteries and hidden codes? Does and it relate to our present day?So what does Revelation actually reveal? Or should Revelation beleft behind? According to Dr. Carter, the book of Revelation can tell us about biblical times as well as our own. It can show us how we, as Christians, are to live and hope for our world. Revelation reveals God's Word to God's World: that culture accommodation is dangerous, that judgment is taking place now, that the world does have a chance to repent, that there are evil powers working behind the scene, that the time is up for the eternal empire, andthat God is coming in triumph.
Many urban congregations remember days of fame and fortunedays when their prominence downtown or in city neighborhoods mattered. Population shifts, the decline of congregations and neighborhoods, and demographic changes depleted the dreams of many urban churches. But not all churches gave up hope. Many congregations are struggling to survive, but thousands of urban churches are thriving again. Churches with revived hope learn to let go of nostalgic dreams and tired habits and to walk with God into a new day of vibrant mission and ministry.Donna Claycomb Sokol and Roger Owens share lessons they've learned on the job and from other urban pastors. Along the way, they challenge clichs about church leadership and strategic planning by showing what congregational renewal can look like and how it can become a reality. Each chapter features a set of practical guidelines for leading a congregation to address the questions that matter most.';The urban church can be quite a challenge. I know because I've served a couple. Now, two thoughtful pastors with actual urban church experience take an affectionate, positive, honest, and hopeful look at the urban church and give practical wisdom for the revival of languishing urban congregations. There's a remarkable revival of the urban church in North America. Donna and Roger can help you be part of it!' William H. Willimon, Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry, Duke Divinity School, Duke University, Durham, NC; retired bishop, The United Methodist Church';Three things excite me most about this book: First, these two young pastors understand the strategic importance of urban ministry and are passionately committed to it. Second, they show that when you turn from tired ';church growth' and corporate paradigms, choosing rather to model your ministry on Jesus, new life happens. And third, they explain that transformation is about journeying faithfully with the questions rather than looking for quick-fix techniques. This book could change your ministry.' Peter Storey, South African church leader; W. Ruth and A. Morris Williams Distinguished Professor Emeritus of the Practice of Christian Ministry, Duke Divinity School, Duke University, Durham, NC
The way of Jesus means that despite our tears and scars, we can become vessels of divine light.A young man loses his wife while their baby escapes without injury. In abject grief he reaches out to a friend for solace. What words of comfort are even possible? How can Jesus repair and renew these lives in this world? Author Bruce Chilton begins in the everyday. He shows how following Jesus not only repairs shattered lives, but renews them. While no broken life is ever simply reassembled and although there is no magic going back to the pristine, repair and renewal will empower us to truly live and love again. But our path requires something from us--mindful practice of Jesus' teachings about the soul, spirit, kingdom, insight, forgiveness, mercy, and glory.
When the #BlackLivesMatter protest movement burst into dynamic action following the shooting death of young Michael Brown in the fall of 2014 in Ferguson, MO, a good number of clergy and lay leaders in greater St. Louis sprang to action and learned anew what it took to ';put some feet to their prayers.' However, as improvisational efforts continued to rally and organize churches toward the enduring work of confronting the insidious violence of systemic social injustices in their own backyard, these religious leaders ran head-on into a familiar yet perplexing wall: the incapacity and unwillingness of their faith communities to respond. In many cases, the resistance was (and still is) fierce, eerily reminiscent of the stand-offs that divided religious communities and leadership in the 1960s Civil Rights era. If the Church's teaching, learning, and practice of faith is purportedly transformative, then where was/is that faith when it was/is needed most? If good religious formation had been happening - or had it? - then why the enduring signs of indifference, paralysis, apathy, exasperation, resistance, symptoms of anesthetized moral consciousness and debilitated hope in the face of pervasive social-cultural violence?The answer may come in a searing indictment: that in an emerging cultural-religious era in which religious identity, expression, and experience are increasingly pluralistic, yet also politicized, polarizing, and racialized, Christian faith communitieseven those of progressive theological persuasionsare still held under dominant cultural captivity, and fashioned by colonizing teaching strategies of ';disimagination' such that the stories (theologies) and rituals (practices) of the faith have effectively become obstacles that anesthetize moral agency and debilitate courageous action for hope and change.This book addresses the above practical concerns with three paradigmatic questions:1. What does it mean to educate for faith in a world marked by violence?2. How are Christian faith communities complicit in the teaching and learning of violence?3. What renewed practices of faith and educational leadership yield potential for the unlearning and unmaking of violence?An organizing thesis drives the inquiry: Thinking and teaching for violence-resisting action as Christians requires an on-purpose setting of our hearts in a world that violates and harms with impunity. Against violent ';disimagination'and its conscience-numbing instruments, Christian religious communities are being challenged to regenerate radical forms of prophetic, protested faith, the skills and instincts of which must be honed deliberately. This occurs through intentional and strategic forms of public consciousness raising for the sake of participation and action - an action that moves toward and is fueled by critical, insurrectional, resurrectional, hope.
The Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries provide compact, critical commentaries on the books of the Old Testament for the use of theological students and pastors. The commentaries are also useful for upper-level college or university students and for those responsible for teaching in congregational settings. In addition to providing basic information and insights into the Old Testament writings, these commentaries exemplify the tasks and procedures of careful interpretation, to assist students of the Old Testament in coming to an informed and critical engagement with the biblical texts themselves. The present volume gives an up-to-date, readable commentary on the book of Numbers. The commentary covers critical issues section by section while emphasizing the larger theological and literary issues in Numbers and illustrating its relevance for modern readers.
Every day, youth are called to navigate a world full of challenging decisions--from the simple choices about everyday life to the much more serious ethical dilemmas that can make being a teenager a complicated experience. Some of those dilemmas include: What does it mean to be a person with established morals and ethics? How does the commandment to love others affect our lives in a tangible way? What happens when we make choices that have consequences that greatly affect our lives and the lives of those around us? Dilemmas isn't designed to provide simple answers to complicated questions, but rather help teens understand how to make inspired, smart choices that reflect both who they are and who they are striving to be. The Groove: Dilemmas Student Journal will challenge youth to be deliberate, thoughtful, and faithful as they attempt to make choices that are consistent with their character and their faith. The Groove Bible study series invites teens to learn the essentials of their faith, own their story, and engage the world in serving Jesus. Each topical study consists of four weekly sessions that are easy to lead and relate to life issues teens face. With up to 48 weeks available, Groove is great for Sunday and mid-week gatherings for both large and small groups as well as retreats.The student journal contains session-specific questions, background information, and daily devotions for each session.
Jesus Christ lifted our fear by giving us the capacity to face things that happen to us and to make something out of them. In Mastery, E. Stanley Jones shows us how to attain the moral and spiritual mastery that came to the disciples on the Day of Pentecost. He demonstrates that mastery of living comes not by being tense and anxious, but by being receptive to the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. In daily inspirational readings, affirmations, and prayers for one full year, Jones offers us guidance in mastering our lives.guidance in mastering our lives.
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