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How should followers of Christ live in a multi-religious world? This book argues that the example of Jesus has something fresh and helpful to say to those who ponder the question. It takes something old--the example of Jesus--to say something new to our pluralist world. Most of the book examines the meetings of Jesus with Gentiles and Samaritans. These are found in some of the most poignant and dramatic encounters and teaching passages in the Gospels: a synagogue address with near-murderous consequences; the healing of a pagan centurion's servant; the setting free of the afflicted child of a Gentile mother; a moving encounter at a Samaritan well; the unlikely story of a compassionate Samaritan--and more. This is a scholarly but accessible discussion of what it might mean to "have the same attitude of mind that Christ Jesus had" in our contemporary multi-religious world.

Jacob Neusner is Research Professor of Religion and Theology at Bard College and Senior Fellow of the Institute of Advanced Theology at Bard. He has published more than 900 books and unnumbered articles, both scholarly and academic, popular and journalistic, and is the most published humanities scholar in the world. He has been awarded nine honorary degrees, including seven US and European honorary doctorates. He received his A.B. from Harvard College in 1953, his Ph.D. from Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary in 1961, and Rabbinical Ordination and the degree of Master of Hebrew Letters from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in 1960.Neusner is editor of the 'Encyclopedia of Judaism' (Brill, 1999. I-III) and its Supplements; Chair of the Editorial Board of 'The Review of Rabbinic Judaism,' and Editor in Chief of 'The Brill Reference Library of Judaism', both published by E. J. Brill, Leiden, The Netherlands. He is editor of 'Studies in Judaism', University Press of America.Neusner resides with his wife in Rhinebeck, New York. They have a daughter, three sons and three daughters-in-law, six granddaughters and two grandsons.

In this book, Ron DelBene introduces a concept of prayer that will help persons new to prayer as well as veterans of the life of prayer. The Breath Prayer is a short prayer of praise and petition that is meant to help us become aware of the presence of God. It is a way to have on our lips what is always in our heart, DelBene explains. The author leads the leader to discover his or her own personal and individualized breath prayer, a prayer that may be prayed at any time of the day or night. He gives historical examples of the breath prayer used in ancient writings as well as modern-day examples of how persons have utilized and been helped by this way of praying Other titles in the The Breath of Life Series are The Hunger of the Heart: A Call to Spiritual Growth and Alone with God: A Guide for Personal Retreats, both written by Ron DelBene with Mary and Herb Montgomery.Ron DelBene has been doing spiritual direction and leading programs in the area of spirituality and pastoral care across the country since 1963. He holds a Master's agree in Theology and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Spirituality and Organizational Systems. He is a poet, artist, author of books and videos and an Episcopal priest. With his wife, Dr. Eleanor McKenzie DelBene, he directs The Hermitage, a non-profit corporation devoted to providing spiritual growth and direction. Ron and Eleanor have two grown children, Paul and Anne. Paul and his spouse, Gayle, have a daughter, Matsue, and a son, Luca. Mary and Herb Montgomery are professional writers who make their home in a suburb of Minneapolis.

Draw nearer Lord, you bring new courage Lighten our path in every day; Through all our doubts and in our worries Help us to follow on your way. Touch all our hearts with your devotion Open our eyes so we may see; And in our darkness bring salvation Until our life is one with thee. --RBS

""It is a common belief that children were not perceived as children until modern times. In fact the Christian Middle Ages accepted that children are not adults and need attention, training, education, and love. One of the champions of children was the chancellor of the University of Paris, Jean Gerson (1363-1429). His treatise on bringing children to Christ is hardly known today but is now available in this introduction and translation. Gerson, the renowned theologian, took the time and effort to consider the lives and Christian education of children."" --Brian Patrick McGuire, author, history professor ""This treatise by Jean Gerson, the Chancellor of the University of Paris, theologian, and reformer, adds texture to the history of childhood in Europe and resources for reflecting on our own views of children and their moral and spiritual development."" --Marcia Bunge, professor, Gustavus Adolphus College Jean le Charlier de Gerson (1363-1429) was a French Churchman and writer known as the Doctor Christianissimus. In 1395, he became chancellor of Notre-Dame and the University of Paris. There, he sought to reform the Church through the spirit of prayer, sacrifice, and theology engaging life. The Mountain of Contemplation was soon followed by De Vita Spirituale Anime--a pioneer expression of human natural rights theory. By 1415, seeking to restore Church unity, at the Council of Constance he affirmed the authority of those gathered over the pope. Four years later, Gerson retired to Lyons, practicing pastoral theology - including advocacy for the biblical valuing and education of children. The Rev. William Whitty (1849-1914) was born to Irish parents in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In Europe, educated at St. Peter's College, he was ordained in Enniscorthy and entered the House of Missions. His renown as a Canon, Vicar, and preacher across the hemispheres was informed by extensive reading, leading to translation of several ""gems."" This is one of them. The Rev. James D. Smith III (Harvard) teaches as Professor of Church History, Emeritus at Bethel Seminary. He has served as faculty lecturer at the University of San Diego (1993-2010), each Spring is visiting professor at Richmont Graduate University (Atlanta), and is associate pastor of La Jolla (CA) Christian Fellowship.

This book explains the basic tenets of Christology that a college student would encounter in a basic Christology class. The book is written in three different sections. The first section focuses upon primary Christological passages, which include a limited survey of Christology in the New Testament. The second section reviews the Christological Councils, limited to the first four ecumenical councils (i.e., Nicea, Constantinople, Ephesus, and Chalcedon). The third section deals with the application of Christology, correlating the biblical witness with the councils, preaching Christology to a contemporary church, and summarizing the Christological content for the contemporary church.The book is a textbook for an introductory Christology class. As such, it will meet the needs of professors who are trying to find an introductory work that surveys the many aspects of teaching Christology. It will also be a valuable tool for pastors as an easy-to-read reference for sermon building and Sunday school lessons, and youth directors as an accessible tool to teach basic foundational Christological truths to their youth group.""Eight master guides chart a path through the complex and sometimes confusing terrain of early Christological developments. As they navigate from Colossians to Chalcedon, they describe ditches to avoid and significant forks in the road. Throughout the journey, they set their sights upon the final destination of contemporary application. In the end, they lead the reader safely home to a robust Christology for the twenty-first century.""--Paul Hartog, Faith Baptist Theological Seminary""Christology is the heart and soul of the church. But, as Jones and the other contributors show, the church throughout history has wrestled to articulate carefully the significance of Jesus for his day and ours. Here is an introduction that takes seriously the Scripture, history, and tradition. It demonstrates that the question, 'Who do you say that I am?' remains as relevant today as it was in the first century AD.""--David B. Capes, Wheaton CollegeMarvin Jones is the assistant professor of theology and church history at Louisiana College. He is the author of The Beginning of Baptist Ecclesiology (2017) and Basil of Caesarea: His Life and Impact (2014).

Mark Cartledge's book is unique in integrating charismatic and empirical perspectives in practical theology. It exemplifies both qualitative and quantitative methods of research, and suggests a way forward for the emerging field of charismatic theology.In part one, Cartledge offers a proposal for the development of a charismatic practical theology. He surveys the different models of the interaction of practical theology and social sciences and defends one that is consistent with charismatic spirituality. The section also explores how charismatic spirituality affects theories of truth and knowledge by making testimony an integrating center, before concluding with a clear explanation of the methods of research employed.Part two progresses into six empirical studies on charismatic worship, glossolalia and postmodernity, women and prophetic activity, the "Toronto Blessing," healing, and socialization. Each chapter of this important book ends with a methodological reflection and suggestions from renewed theological praxis, enforcing the values of such methods of study for a clearer understanding of charismatic Christianity.

From the Preface: The object of this series is to provide for the clergy and the laity of the church a statement, in convenient form, of its Doctrine, Discipline and Worship -- As well as to meet the often expressed desire on the part of Examining Chaplains for textbooks which they could recommend to Candidates for Holy Orders.

The global pentecostal charismatic movement, as it launches into the twenty-first century, outdistances current attempts at classification and clarification. Although scholarly theologizing has not been the hallmark of the movement, the current surge of pentecostal-charismatic scholars confounds the accepted antithesis between expressive narrative and reflective theology.Brighton '91, which featured Professor Jurgen Moltmann and the Archbishop of Canterbury, was a symposium unprecedented in the range of participating scholars drawn form six continents. They gave voice to new insights for handling racism, sexism, socioeconomic oppression and the environment, thus modeling a legitimate postmodern agenda.

The global pentecostal charismatic movement, as it launches into the twenty-first century, outdistances current attempts at classification and clarification. Although scholarly theologizing has not been the hallmark of the movement, the current surge of pentecostal-charismatic scholars confounds the accepted antithesis between expressive narrative and reflective theology.Brighton '91, which featured Professor Jurgen Moltmann and the Archbishop of Canterbury, was a symposium unprecedented in the range of participating scholars drawn form six continents. They gave voice to new insights for handling racism, sexism, socioeconomic oppression and the environment, thus modeling a legitimate postmodern agenda.

The Scripture Challenge is on a mission to rally your precious remaining brain cells and give you a hidden superpower, which will help you make healthier, wiser, and all-around better decisions by memorizing one verse of Scripture a week for one year. Do people still memorize things these days? It just may be impossible. Maybe you should stop reading right here, right now. Just walk away. Your life could remain exactly the same. But what if you could have God speak to you in a way that would help you navigate the next difficult thing in front of you? What if your words and actions could be kinder and more patient? These fifty-two powerful verses in fifty-two weeks provide insight into how God wants you to live. If you accept this challenge, God's words are always available to you when you don't know what to do. You will have them at work, at home, at school, or wherever you go. This might shake up your world a bit. Or a lot. Are you ready to step up your game? It's go time. Are you in?

This book explains the basic tenets of Christology that a college student would encounter in a basic Christology class. The book is written in three different sections. The first section focuses upon primary Christological passages, which include a limited survey of Christology in the New Testament. The second section reviews the Christological Councils, limited to the first four ecumenical councils (i.e., Nicea, Constantinople, Ephesus, and Chalcedon). The third section deals with the application of Christology, correlating the biblical witness with the councils, preaching Christology to a contemporary church, and summarizing the Christological content for the contemporary church.The book is a textbook for an introductory Christology class. As such, it will meet the needs of professors who are trying to find an introductory work that surveys the many aspects of teaching Christology. It will also be a valuable tool for pastors as an easy-to-read reference for sermon building and Sunday school lessons, and youth directors as an accessible tool to teach basic foundational Christological truths to their youth group.""Eight master guides chart a path through the complex and sometimes confusing terrain of early Christological developments. As they navigate from Colossians to Chalcedon, they describe ditches to avoid and significant forks in the road. Throughout the journey, they set their sights upon the final destination of contemporary application. In the end, they lead the reader safely home to a robust Christology for the twenty-first century.""--Paul Hartog, Faith Baptist Theological Seminary""Christology is the heart and soul of the church. But, as Jones and the other contributors show, the church throughout history has wrestled to articulate carefully the significance of Jesus for his day and ours. Here is an introduction that takes seriously the Scripture, history, and tradition. It demonstrates that the question, 'Who do you say that I am?' remains as relevant today as it was in the first century AD.""--David B. Capes, Wheaton CollegeMarvin Jones is the assistant professor of theology and church history at Louisiana College. He is the author of The Beginning of Baptist Ecclesiology (2017) and Basil of Caesarea: His Life and Impact (2014).

Gamaliel, the sensitive, spiritually-minded grandson of the great Hillel and teacher of Saul, was a leading and influential figure in the days of Jesus. Many were the students who flocked to listen to his words of wisdom, to learn of tolerance, of common sense, and of the love of one God. It is of such a man that Gerald Heard writes--a man who was a thousand years ahead of his age. Woven around historically accurate facts, the story is written as Gamaliel's journal about Jesus and the early Christian movement. First by hearsay, then through friends, and finally by encounter with Jesus of Nazareth himself, Gamaliel learned of this vitalizing, dynamic teaching of love as a way of life. With the account of Peter and Paul's meeting in Jerusalem the author concludes this unique presentation, which gives new insight into the life and teachings of Jesus and a clear delineation of Gamaliel, a heretofore shadowy personality of the first century era.

Margaret Ferris teaches basic counseling skills for caregivers who want to incorporate Christian norms and values into their ministry. In Compassioning, she offers a model that integrates basic Christian principles with tested psychological techniques. Chapter exercises instruct the reader in how to monitor and measure listening and responding skills. Compassioning can be used either as a text for training others or as a tool for personal growth in communication skills. Anyone called upon to do occasional pastoral counseling will appreciate this concise and reliable handbook. For those who anticipate a full-time ministry in pastoral counseling, Compassioning will provide an excellent foundation.

This superb and enduring contribution to the Johann Sebastian Bach tricentennial focuses on Bach's vocation as a musician of the church and on his work as a theologian. Although Bach is most often remembered for his music, Jaroslav Pelikan here reminds us of the message of Bach's works and of his understanding and devotion to his vocation within the church. By relating Bach's work to the heritage of the Lutheran Reformation -- musical as well as theological -- Pelikan places Bach within the context of the theological currents of his time. Maintaining that the Reformation heritage provides the underlying thematic and religious inspiration for Bach's work, Pelikan delves into three main movements within Lutheran theology of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries as a framework for understanding Bach. He also demonstrates how Bach's sacred music complements and illustrates these theological trends. In the second portion of the book, Pelikan examines the theological motifs that are reflected in the texts Bach used and in the settings he provided for these texts. The author points to Bach's particular interest in the meaning of the cross, and to redemption and atonement through the death and resurrection of Christ. He notes the centrality of the 'Passions' in Bach's lifework and their importance for the history of the doctrine of atonement. 'Bach Among the Theologians' represents a unique inspirational complement to the many works that concentrate primarily on the composer's personal or secular life.

In the aftermath of writing The Death of God, Vahanian had opportunity to advance his discussion. In his introduction to No Other God, he wrote, "Taken as nothing less if nothing more than a cultural phenomenon, the death of God signifies the transition from radical monotheism to radical immanentism and marks the birth of secularism as the vector of the new religiosity. It announces the the advent of a new, culturally Christian, paganism, even while theology is busy overlooking its indigence or covering it up with a glorified but amnesic vocabulary....But what I have denounced elsewhere as the charter of the incipient post-Christian idolatry is now proclaimed as the first article of an immanentist religiosity. So called 'Christian atheism' glories precisely in what I deplored when I first used the term 'death of God.' Meanwhile, Christian theology serves only to separate the Church from the world, instead of pointing to the fact that the Church is -- or should be -- what happens when the world hears the Word of God." Vahanian, recognizing that God is a word, and that God is not God without the world, ultimately helps readers understand the two poles of language that need to be kept in balance: wording the world and worlding the word. In this light, idolatry of every kind is threatened by new language, both symbolic and iconoclastic, which serves to usher in a new world.

From the explosive contexts of Nairobi, Mexico City, Los Angeles, and Madras burst fresh insights on the mission of the church for the city. Jude Tiersma and Charles Van Engen worked closely with an international team of experienced urban practitioners to explore the most urgent issues facing those who minister in today's cities. From each particular urban setting, a team member contributed a story from ministry in the city. Each story uniquely illustrates a different challenge of urban ministry in the face of injustice, marginalization, and urban structures. This book brings you these stories, then retells them in light of Scripture, introducing new hope to each one. From these stories emerge new ideas about the nature of cities and how to practice ministry in them. The new methodology employed by Van Engen and Tiersma's team leads us in the first steps toward a theology of mission for the city. God So Loves the City is a must for pastors, seminary students, missiologists, congregation members, and all who are concerned about urban ministry.

""The death of God"" began, according to Vahanian, the moment Western man started to compromise with the Biblical concept of God transcendent, and to merge the identity of the Godhead with the identity of humankind. From this compromise evolved the belief in the possibility of heaven on earth, in human perfectibility, in the expectation that man, both individually and collectively, can control his termporal fate. Today, as a consequence, Western society not only exalts all possible material comforts, but requires as well easy, guaranteed, status-assuring religious affiliations. The present search for ""inner security"" is in direct opposition to the toleration of doubt that tests the strength of genuine religious faith. And Vahanian shows how our spiritual decline is reflected in much of the most important imaginative writing of today.

This is one of the few books available that focuses on understanding and treating addiction from a holistic and spiritual perspective. Numerous vibrational therapies are suggested, a deeper appreciation of the subtle energy bodies and chakras is offered, and there is a study of the karma of addiction and relevant past life patterns. Specific addictions include coffee, tobacco, marijuana, sugar, alcohol, cocaine, and heroin. Andrew Ramer is the author of Torah Told Different: Stories for a Pan/Poly/Post-Denominational Era, and of Deathless, both from Wipf and Stock, along with a reissue of his book Revelations for a New Millennium. He is also the author of Two Flutes Playing, which has been called a gay underground classic, and Queering the Text, in addition to being a co-author of the international best seller Ask Your Angels. He lives in Oakland, California.Donna Cunningham, MSW, was a licensed therapist of over twenty years who specialized in treating addicted people and their families. She has used the processes outlined throughout this book both in group and individual sessions with recovering alcoholics, adult children of alcoholics, and other addicted people. She was also an internationally recognized astrologer with several books and over 100 articles to her credit.

Alcohol, tobacco, sugar, pot, and hard drugs are power tools the addict uses unsuccessfully to reach for a life task or vision. This channeled book shows how to reach those same places in consciousness harmlessly and to heal the emotional and spiritual aftereffects of addiction through meditation, flower essences, and crystals.Andrew Ramer is the author of Torah Told Different: Stories for a Pan/Poly/Post-Denominational Era, and of Deathless, both from Wipf and Stock, along with a reissue of his book Revelations for a New Millennium. He is also the author of Two Flutes Playing, which has been called a gay underground classic, and Queering the Text, in addition to being a co-author of the international best seller Ask Your Angels. He lives in Oakland, California. Donna Cunningham, MSW (1942-2017) was a licensed therapist of over 20 years who specialized in treating addicted people and their families. She has used the processes outlined throughout this book both in group and individual sessions with recovering alcoholics, adult children of alcoholics, and other addicted people. She was also an internationally recognized astrologer with several books and over 100 articles to her credit.

This minor classic of the narrative theology movement proposes to use biography as a way of doing theology, rather than using biography to set forth models of exemplary living to inspire the faithful. By looking at the lives of four significant persons (Dag Hammarskjold, Martin Luther King, Jr., Clarence Jordan, and Charles Ives), the author discovers a theology that is adequate to account for the kind of lives these persons lived. This unique approach to theology is applicable to any religion, but the author has chosen to work within his own Christian tradition in this book. The book concludes with suggested methods by which the work of doing theology biographically can be carried further.

David Wilson''s initial research into the phenomenon of prophecy in the Hebrew Bible suggested that many of the passages featuring prophets, and hitherto considered to be bizarre myths (or much-edited collections of traditions) were, in fact, sequences of dreams. Moreover, it was possible to compare the structure of these sequences with the structure of a night''s sleep (hypnogram)--as revealed by modern sleep research--to demonstrate that the ""sleeper"" was depressed. This characteristic, depressive sleep architecture was then used to show that three characters in particular, Elijah, Jonah, and Adam--compared in the New Testament with Jesus--were all, in fact, depressed. Quite naturally, this raised further questions concerning the nature of Jesus himself: Was he merely a prophet? If he wasn''t, how did he differ? If he was depressed, how was he able to function (and succeed in his mission) when Elijah and Jonah clearly had such great difficulties? These and other questions are raised throughout this book, and many of them are not new, but they are, however, changed forever when asked against a contextual background of altered states of consciousness (ASCs), and dreamform in particular. ""A fascinating, imaginative, and provocative re-reading of ancient texts in light of recent research into the sleep and dream patterns of people with depressive disorders. Wilson gives particular attention to Adam, Elijah, and Jonah before comparing their experiences to Jesus''. Wilson''s engagement with Genesis 2-3 is particularly interesting. Wilson concludes that Jesus, like the OT figures examined, is a depressive prophet who, nevertheless, is not incapacitated by this disorder, possibly because he is ''God-with-us.''""--Kent Brower, Nazarene Theological CollegeAlthough originally trained as an industrial chemist, David Wilson read theology and pastoral studies upon his return to academia in 1995. After graduation, he completed an MA, before submitting a multidisciplinary thesis in selected passages of the Hebrew Bible to the University of Manchester in 2006. This preliminary research initiated a ten-year quest to produce a more definitive work on prophecy in both testaments of the Christian Bible from a psychophysiological perspective.

Art Gish records a moving story of the turmoil and suffering of the Palestinian people, the agony experienced by Israelis, and a vision of hope and new possibilities of reconciliation between Jews, Muslims, and Christians. From 1995 to 2001, Art Gish experiences living with Muslim families, engaging in nonviolent actions with Israelis and Palestinians, and struggling to find creative responses to injustice. Selected excerpts from his journal tell of the Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) work and give us a vision of how small peacemaking groups can make a difference in violent conflicts.""Art Gish''s testimonies are characterized by honesty and veracity, providing a firsthand description of a harsh situation. I hope his work can be an eye-opener for those who have been misled."" --Khalid Amayreh, Journalist and Islamist leader""As an Israeli Jewish rabbi, it seems to me that the work of Art Gish and his fellow Christian Peacemakers is today''s real-life application of In His Steps."" --Arik W. Ascherman, Executive Director, Rabbis for Human RightsArthur G. Gish (1939-2010) was active in peace and social justice work for over fifty years, beginning with work as a conscientious objector with Brethren Volunteer Service in Europe (1958-60). He participated in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, and has opposed US involvement in every war since his youth.Born and raised on a farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Gish was reared in the Church of the Brethren. For thirty-six years, until his death in a tragic farm accident in 2010, he and his wife, Peggy Faw Gish, were members of New Covenant Fellowship, a communal farm near Athens, Ohio.Gish began working with the Christian Peacemaker Teams in the occupied West Bank in 1995, out of which this book took shape. Gish is also the author of The New Left and Christian Radicalism, Beyond the Rat Race, Living in Christian Community, At Tuwani Journal: Hope & Nonviolent Action in a Palestinian Village, and Muslim, Christian, Jew: The Oneness of God and the Unity of Our Faith, a Personal Journey in the Three Abrahamic Religions.

""My standpoint is then one of tension, a tension that I bear in my flesh and in my intellectual and spiritual life: I heard the two voices. And it is the weight of this tension that has pressed me to think and study about it, to teach about it, and eventually to write about it. It is the Jewish-Christian tension in my flesh and in my scholarly and professional life that has given birth to this book. In echo to Israel Zangwill, I will set my questions straight: Were Jesus and Moses indeed irreconcilable? Are our theological and historical cliches in agreement with the original intention of prophetic revelation and with what indeed took place in history?""--From the Preface: The Two JewsJacques B. Doukhan is professor of Hebrew and Old Testament Exegesis at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary and director of the Institute of Jewish-Christian Studies at Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan. Doukhan received a doctorate in Hebrew Language and Literature from the University of Strasbourg. Doukhan was the recipient of a post-doctoral research scholarship from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Later, he received a Doctorate of Theology in Biblical Studies and Systematic Theology from Andrews University. Dr. Doukhan also holds a Master in Egyptology from the University of Montpellier.In addition to his numerous articles and reviews, Doukhan has written twenty books including the following: Drinking at the Sources: An Appeal to the Jew and the Christian to Note Their Common Beginnings; Daniel: The Vision of the End; On the Way to Emmaus: Five Messianic Prophecies Explained; and Commentary on Genesis. Dr. Doukhan is the General Editor of the SDAIBC Series.

This book strengthens next-level scripture engagement for Jesus followers, pushing us to:Move beyond fill-in-the-blank discipleship programs, Feel as competent about the Bible as we feel about our life work, andGet comfortable living with unanswered questions while we seek and serve God. Bible for Self-starters presents the Bible as it presents itself: an ancient Jewish story as relevant as today''s news. It is a story you can know, understand, and apply. ""On Scene"" insight sections put you next to Moses, David, Peter, and many other Bible characters in the eyes-wide-open dilemma of making critical decisions as life unfolds. ""Meditation"" and ""Deeper Still"" questions Point out the Bible''s thematic and theological hyperlinks that weave its stories into the whole story, Give permission to peek behind doors left ajar in the text, andEncourage you to explore uncomfortable implications and apply the Scripture to real life. As a human, feel awed and connected to God''s story. Climb out of your safe, warm, bubble bath and dive into the deep ocean called the Bible.""Many of us want to read the Bible but are intimidated--we''re afraid we won''t understand any of it. Dr. Leon Engman''s masterful guide to reading the Scriptures opens our eyes to see the biblical authors'' intentions and helps open our hearts to see how to respond. Beyond that, it highlights key biblical theological truths that should guide our lives. If you want your Bible reading to go beyond obligation to illumination, Bible for Self-starters is for you.""--Michael Rydelnik, Professor of Jewish Studies and Bible, Moody Bible InstituteLeon Engman is senior pastor at Evangelical Covenant Church in Woodstock, Connecticut. He is ordained in the Evangelical Free Church, and served as adjunct faculty at Moody Bible Institute and Simpson University. A traveler and storyteller, he maintains that ""to read as a believer is to be unafraid of what God has waiting around the next corner"" (quoted from his chapter in the Moody Handbook to Messiah in the Old Testament, forthcoming).

...a brilliant and audacious investigation of the narrative strategy of Mark. Roth's mastery of Hebrew paradigms illuminates the second Gospel with compelling and at times breathtaking detail. The discovery of Mark's scriptural code in the Elijah/Elisha narrative will provoke many New Testament scholars to probe more deeply into the Hebraic roots of early Christianity. -- Robert J. Jewett, Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Garrett-Evangelical Seminary Wolfgang Roth's work on the Judaic literary tradition behind the gospels leads to stunning revelations of structure and meaning. -- Mary Douglas, author of Purity and Danger and Emeritus Professor in Humanities, Northwestern University I find this new achievement of Roth's remarkable and refreshing. His approach to the Gospel of Mark is a sound return to the foundations of gospel writing. Although some of the modern explorations into non-Jewish possible literary models for New Testament writings prove useful, Roth's book reminds us that the New Testament is a Jewish piece of literature whose reference is decisively the Hebrew Scripture. . . . The evidence that he brings to his thesis is, in my opinion, incontrovertible and irresistible. -- Andre LaCocque, Professor of Old Testament and Director, Center for Jewish/Christian Studies, Chicago Theological Seminary An important study. By showing an aspect of the intertextuality of Mark, it helps to break the impasse concerning the lack of predecessors to the gospel form. Also, it raises the issue of 'intertopicality' - the presence of common topi and type scenes in the gospels. -- Vernon Robbins, Graduate Division of Religion, Emory University

Contents Introduction ix Gene Outka Universal Love and Impartiality 1 Edmund N. Santurri Who Is My Neighbor? Love, Equality, and Profoundly Retarded Humans 104 William Werpehowski Agape and Special Relations 138 David Little The Law of Supererogation 157 Timothy P. Jackson Christian Love and Political Violence 182 John H. Whittaker Agape and Self-Love 221 Jean Porter Salvific Love and Charity: A Comparison of the Thought of Karl Rahner and Thomas Aquinas 240 Ronald M. Green Kant on Christian Love 261 John P. Reeder, Jr. Analogues to Justice 281