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Holiness denominations at the turn of the twentieth century were characterized by three teachings: sanctification, divine healing, and dispensational views of the second coming. "Faith Cure" explores the divine healing movement between 1870 and 1920, examining its practitioners, its cultural milieu, its biblical and theological foundations, and its results. Hardesty concludes with a discussion of spiritual healing today and its connection with the broader cultural search for alternative medicines.

This clear and comprehensive introduction to New Testament textual criticism is a popular text for beginning and intermediate students.

For the past ten years, the well-received first edition of this commentary has offered readers a way to look at scriptural texts that combines historical, narrative, and contemporary interests. Carter explores Matthew by approaching it from the perspective of the "authorial audience"--by identifying with and reading along with the audience imagined by the author. Now an updated second edition is available as part of a new series focusing on each of the gospel writers as storyteller, interpreter, and evangelist. This edition preserves the essential identity of the original material, while adding new insights from Carter's more recent readings of Matthew's gospel in relation to the Roman Imperial world. Four of the seventeen chapters have been significantly revised, and most have had minor changes. There are also new endnotes directing readers to Carter's more recent published work on Matthew. Scholars and pastors will use the full bibliography and appendix on redaction and narrative approaches, while lay readers will appreciate the clear and straightforward text.

The heart of the Christian faith rests upon the confession "Jesus is Lord," yet faithful Christians sometimes overlook the fact that the Lordship of Jesus is firmly rooted in the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament. Moreover, knowing Jesus more fully entails knowing the story of God's salvation that was planned before the foundation of the world. Modern readers tend to forget that the declaration "before Abraham was I am" underscores the continuity between the promise to Abraham and its fulfillment in Christ. Acquiring a basic understanding of the relationship between the Old and New Testaments with respect to salvation's drama will enrich every reader's faith and appreciation for the Scriptures. Modern readers tend to forget that the declaration "before Abraham was I am" underscores the continuity between the promise to Abraham and its fulfillment in Christ. Acquiring a basic understanding of the relationship between the Old and New Testaments with respect to salvation's drama will enrich every reader's faith and appreciation for the Scriptures.

"The Study of the Old Testament Psalter has undergone great changes during the twentieth century in an effort to recover a fuller awareness of their original setting and purpose . . . Bellinger's book admirably fulfils the task of exploring the many insights of modern scholarship on the psalms in order to clarify the faith to which they bear witness. It does this by showing the real-life situations which occasioned the formulation of prayers of complaint and praise, opening up a warm sense of the humanity and faith which they nurtured. Readers will find a great richness of scholarship here set out in vigorous and exciting language to make plain that the psalter retains a powerful challenge for the present day. These psalms explore the whole range of human experience and provide a vehicle by which faith can become articulate and sharply focused, even when faced with pain and doubt. The sheer honesty of these prayers challenges contemporary complacency."--Ronald E. Clements, professor of Old Testament studies, King's College, University of London "Bellinger has created an excellent primer for the Psalms. . . . I like his use of examples in each section and his references in each chapter to what has gone before."--Victor Matthews, professor of religious studies, Southwest Missouri State University

The Didache is one of the earliest Christian documents, earlier than most of the writings that make up the New Testament. It provides practical instructions on how a Christian community should function, and offers unique insights into the way the earliest Christians lived and worshipped. In this highly readable introduction, Thomas O'Loughlin tells the intriguing story of the Didache, from its discovery in the late nineteenth century to the present. He then provides an illuminating commentary on the entire text, highlighting areas of special interest to Christians today, and ends with a fresh translation of the text itself."A valuable and thorough introduction to an important though little-studied work that provides a unique window on a corner of the early Christian world."--Sean Freyne, emeritus professor of theology, Trinity College Dublin"A truly accessible commentary on this ancient text and on the early Christian communities that lie behind it, and yet one that incorporates up-to-date academic scholarship."--Paul Bradshaw, professor of liturgy, University of Notre Dame"I highly recommend this informed, engaging, and pastorally sensitive exploration of the Didache. Reading the text within its Jewish roots and in harmony with its New Testament parallels, Thomas O'Loughlin shows how the Didache admirably shaped the faith and practice of second-generation Christians in ways that have relevance for us today."--Aaron Milavec, author of The Didache: Faith, Hope, and Life of the Earliest Christian Communities, 50-70 CE

"Thomas Yoder Neufeld considers many of the New Testament's texts that might implicitly or explicitly condone violence of one kind or another. Though he concludes that these texts actually subvert violence, he does so without avoiding the very difficult questions they raise. Readers will be both disturbed and challenged by this timely book."--Michael J. Gorman, St. Mary's Seminary & University"Thomas Yoder Neufeld explores violence-related questions throughout the New Testament, including love of enemies, forgiveness, Jesus' prophetic act in the temple, the atonement, subordination, and divine warfare. His book stands out from other recent treatments of the topic because it deals honestly and clearly with the wide range of issues raised in the current debate while still holding to the texts as Scripture; it refuses to downplay the themes of judgment and vindication of the divine purposes; and it recognizes that the cultural, political, and confessional location of the interpreter plays a crucial role in how the texts are evaluated. Readers will find it an insightful and indispensable guide."--Andrew T. Lincoln, University of Gloucestershire, England"That certain rhetorical and theological features of the New Testament accounts can be read as endorsing or fomenting violence is undeniable; that this is how they ought to be read is quite another matter. In this crystal-clear and profoundly responsible analysis, Tom Yoder Neufeld shows how the New Testament writers speak realistically of and to the violence that pervades human experience while simultaneously declaring God's definitive conquest of violence through the death and resurrection of Christ. In setting forth this paradoxical and subversive truth, Yoder Neufeld exemplifies what it means to be a wise reader of Scripture today."--Christopher Marshall, Victoria University of WellingtonPublished in the United Kingdom by SPCK as Jesus and the Subversion of Violence: Wrestling with the New Testament Evidence

This volume illuminates Paul's handling of creation stories, Abraham, Moses, the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings, then assesses competing contemporary approaches to Paul's interpretations of Scripture."Moyise, one of the leading international scholars on the subject of the New Testament's use of the Old Testament, asks how each of the main features of Paul's teaching grows out of and interacts with the Hebrew Scriptures. Moyise illuminates well how Scripture functioned for the first great Christian theologian without ignoring the various questions that such treatment still raises both for students of Paul and for those who ask how Scripture should function today."--James D. G. Dunn, Emeritus Lightfoot Professor of Divinity, Durham University"Moyise combines his thorough knowledge of the field with his skills as a communicator to provide an eminently accessible and thoroughly up-to-date discussion of Paul's quotations from the Scriptures of Israel and of the scholarly debates surrounding them. It will be one of the first books I will want my students to read on the subject."--Roy E. Ciampa, associate professor of New Testament, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary"Steve Moyise, already well known for his work on the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament, here provides a clear and accessible guide to Paul's use of Scripture and to recent scholarly discussion of this important topic. Students in particular will welcome this helpful overview, with its lucid explanations and fair survey of the field."--David G. Horrell, professor of New Testament studies, University of Exeter

A Graceful Approach to Sharing the Good NewsFrances Adeney offers a comprehensive treatment of evangelism, showing that new evangelism theologies and methods are necessary in today's religiously pluralistic and secular contexts. By understanding different approaches to evangelism and accepting the views of others on this crucial topic, the church can move forward with a more graceful approach to sharing God's good news with the world."In Graceful Evangelism, Professor Adeney combines her proficiency as a scholar with her talent and wisdom as a teacher to provide an extremely valuable resource for those learning and teaching evangelism today. She carefully draws from biblical, theological, and historical foundations to frame thoughtful and balanced practices, offering a comprehensive guide to evangelism in today's complicated North American context."--Laceye Warner, Duke Divinity School"Frances Adeney calls the church to be graceful--gentle, humble, respectful--in its evangelism, and she writes her book in the same graceful way. These pages are filled with experience, conviction, and faith. They should inspire pastors, students, and ordinary Christians, all of whom are called to live out their baptismal vocation to evangelize."--Stephen Bevans, Catholic Theological Union"Graceful Evangelism is a wonderfully accessible, thoroughly researched book that belongs in every introductory course in evangelism in both the seminary and the church. Adeney offers a robust vision for evangelism that is exactly what the church needs today."--Elaine Heath, Duke Divinity School"Frances Adeney has written a book that draws us away from the slick marketing gimcrackery that sometimes passes for evangelism. Graceful Evangelism directs would-be evangelists to get in step with the God who is neither contrived nor hurried. Here is an evangelism textbook that is as concerned with the integrity of the messenger as it is with the packaging of the message."--Jonathan J. Bonk, Boston University; former editor, International Bulletin of Missionary Research"Frances Adeney draws from Scripture, theology, anthropology, missiology, and from historical and contemporary case studies to produce a very useful reflection for rethinking a church's engagement with pre-Christian people. I hope that Graceful Evangelism makes an enduring contribution."--George G. Hunter, Asbury Theological Seminary

This book is for exiles: Christians who find themselves caught in that dangerous wilderness between contemporary secular Western culture and an old-fashioned church culture of respectability and conservatism. Frost presents a plea for such Christians to embrace a dynamic, life-affirming, robust Christian faith that can be lived confidently in a world that no longer values such a faith.

Designed to help seminary (and college) students reflect on the nature and task of ministry as we enter the 21st century. Focuses on education for ministry.

Healing words for women from God's Word--right at your fingertipsFor counselors, pastors, women's ministry leaders, and any Christian woman who wants a user-friendly quick reference guide to Scripture, this essential resource has been thoroughly updated and revised to reflect the needs of the modern woman.Arranged topically for easy access to the Scriptures that speak to the heart of each issue, this book covers a wide range of subjects. Among the more than eighty topics covered, including fifteen new ones, are- abortion- birth control- career- dating- depression- forgiveness from God- grief- hope- infertility- prodigal children- self-harm- single mother- unbelieving spouse- worryIn addition to the appropriate Scriptures, each topic includes a list of biblical narratives to read, practical steps to take, and suggested books for further reading. Whether you use this handy guide for counseling or for personal study and memorization, you'll quickly discover how God's Word is relevant to our everyday concerns and sufficient for creating wholeness and healing in women's lives. Patricia A. Miller is a professor and program director for biblical counseling at Calvary University. She is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Western Illinois University, and Calvary Theological Seminary and lives in the Kansas City area with her husband. They have four married children.

"An engaging, creative, and thorough portrayal of a remarkable friendship."--Colin Duriez, author of C. S. Lewis: A Biography of Friendships and Dorothy L. Sayers: A Biography: Death, Dante and Lord Peter WimseyWhat happens when we push past the surface and allow real, grounded, mutually challenging, and edifying friendships to develop? We need only look at the little-known friendship between eminent Christian thinkers Dorothy L. Sayers and C. S. Lewis to find out. Born out of a fan letter that celebrated mystery novelist Sayers wrote to Lewis as his star was just beginning to rise, this friendship between a married woman and a longtime bachelor developed over years of correspondence as the two discovered their mutual admiration of each other's writing, thinking, and faith. Gina Dalfonzo's absorbing treatment of the relationship between two of Christianity's most important modern thinkers and writers will resonate deeply with those who long for authentic, soul-stirring friendships that challenge them to grow intellectually and spiritually."Beautifully written, Dorothy and Jack will transform not only common understanding of both Lewis and Sayers but also common assumptions about male/female friendships."--Crystal Downing, codirector of the Marion E. Wade Center, Wheaton College; author of Subversive: Christ, Culture, and the Shocking Dorothy L. Sayers and Writing Performances: The Stages of Dorothy L. Sayers Gina Dalfonzo is the author of One by One, a columnist at Christ & Pop Culture, and the founder and editor of Dickensblog. Her writing has been published in The Atlantic, Christianity Today, First Things, The Weekly Standard, Guideposts, OnFaith, and Sehnsucht: The C. S. Lewis Journal, among others. She earned her BA in English from Messiah College and her MA, also in English, from George Mason University. The recipient of a Clyde S. Kilby Research Grant for 2018, Dalfonzo lives in Virginia.

"Since its first appearance in 1983, From Nicaea to Chalcedon has been the best available introduction in English--for readers serious about patristic theology and early church history--to the crucially important personalities and theological works that dominated fourth- and fifth-century debate about Jesus' relationship to God and to us all. This new edition significantly expands and enriches that book and brings us face to face with the best of current scholarship on the period, yet it still retains the balance, breadth of scope, and critical good sense that has always made it so valuable. It is an indispensable guide for anyone wanting to get a clear view of the early development of classical Christian doctrine."--Brian E. Daley, SJ, University of Notre Dame"In clear, elegant prose and with close attention to the original texts, the book opens a window for students onto not only Young's own views of the figures she covers but also a wide range of relevant scholarly debates and controversies. This thorough updating constitutes a deep revision of the original. We are anew in Young's debt!"--Lewis Ayres, Durham University"The original edition of From Nicaea to Chalcedon was a standard work on the most illuminating Greek writers of the fourth and early fifth centuries. This new edition deserves to assume that status also. Since so much of this period has been reconstructed and rewritten over the last thirty years, a patrological-style handbook as produced here is most welcome."--D. H. Williams, Baylor University"The original edition of From Nicaea to Chalcedon established itself immediately as the best introduction to the Greek patristic tradition in the golden age of the first four councils. This new edition surpasses the old, not only bringing it up to date after a quarter of a century of unprecedented scholarly activity, demonstrating an easy command of the shoal of new literature, but also introducing students to new approaches, some of which Young has herself pioneered. This is an indispensable work, revealing new insights on every page."--Andrew Louth, Durham University

"Gary Burge has made a valuable contribution to the ongoing matter of the 'Holy Land' so contested by Israelis and Palestinians. He recognizes the powerful impulse to a territorial dimension in much of Judaism. But then he reflects on New Testament texts--notably those by Luke, John, and Paul--to see that Jesus and the early church distanced themselves from any territorial dimension of faith. This leads Burge to offer a powerful, compelling critique of 'Christian Zionism, ' to which 'the NT says: No.' Clearly a faith that intends to reach Gentiles must, perforce, refuse any closed tribalism that makes exclusive territorial claims. Burge's reading of Scripture is persuasive and provides a fresh way to think about 'faith and land.'"--Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary"Burge writes out of a deep knowledge of Scripture and personal acquaintance with the Middle East to demonstrate how the concern for the geographical land in the Old Testament is transmuted into concern for a spiritual inheritance for God's believing people, both Jewish and Gentile, in the New Testament. His exposition of the biblical material offers a gracious corrective to some inadequate and misinformed ideas about the role of Israel in the plan of God and about the Palestinian-Jewish situation and has important consequences for Christian belief and behavior. I warmly commend this thorough and scholarly but nevertheless clearly and simply written presentation."--I. Howard Marshall, University of Aberdeen"Burge may be American evangelicalism's foremost expert on a biblical theology of the land of Israel. This book reintroduces sanity, common sense, and exegetical acumen into a discussion that often sadly lacks these traits. Absolutely essential reading for any Christian who wants to hold a biblically defensible position on the topic."--Craig L. Blomberg, Denver Seminary"Burge's accessible consideration of 'holy land theology' in relation to New Testament texts cannot be overlooked. From now on, Christians who wish to engage responsibly with this highly charged and controversial issue will need to interact fully with Burge's careful, constructive, and challenging presentation."--Bruce W. Longenecker, Baylor University

Exploring the Ecology of FaithGordon Smith contends that both in the church and in discussions about contemporary mission, the language of conversion inherited from revivalism is inadequate in helping to navigate the questions that shape how we do church, how we approach faith formation, how evangelism is integrated into congregational life, and how we witness to the faith in non-Christian environments. We must rethink the nature of the church in light of how people actually come to faith in Christ.Transforming Conversion offers much-needed contemporary theological reflection on the phenomenon of conversion and transformation. Smith's robust evaluation covers the broad range of thinking about conversion across Christian traditions and addresses global contexts. After drawing on ancient and pre-revivalist wisdom about conversion, Smith delineates the contours of conversion and Christian initiation for today's church. He concludes with a discussion of the art of spiritual autobiography and what it means to be a congregation."Transforming Conversion is a welcome addition to the growing literature on conversion. With great skill, Smith explores the fields of biblical studies, theology, church history, and religious biography to develop new language to capture the complexity of conversion. Unwilling to be confined to the outdated and inaccurate language of revivalism, Smith articulates a holistic understanding of conversion to guide renewed modes of outreach for a church often paralyzed toward evangelism in the twenty-first century."--Richard Peace, Robert Boyd Munger Professor of Evangelism and Spiritual Formation, Fuller Theological Seminary"This is an important book and full of surprises. What appears to be a simple historical survey of 'conversion literature' turns into a serious work on the theology of conversion. Transforming Conversion is of ecumenical interest because Smith's attention to the doctrinal and sacramental aspects of conversion goes far to bridge the divide separating evangelicals from Orthodox and Catholic believers. It is heartily recommended."--Patrick Henry Reardon, senior editor, Touchstone: A Journal of Mere Christianity

Helping Children Develop Their Faith"A work that is enlightening, challenging, and encouraging all at the same time. It provides a long-needed look into the actual spiritual life experience of children and helps us consider how what we do in our homes and families can better encourage a growing, vital faith in Christ. It is both moving and convicting to read, and if we will give attention to what the children say, it will cause us to change some of what we do in our ministries with children and with young parents."--Kevin E. Lawson, Talbot School of Theology; editor, Christian Education Journal"Catherine Stonehouse and Scottie May have listened carefully to children, using interviews and interpreting their art, and they have listened to parents. Their conclusion is that setting the stage for children to wonder together about God, guided by a wise and skillful mentor in a carefully prepared environment, enables them to know God well and to express what they know by making room for the Holy Spirit to be their most important teacher."--Jerome W. Berryman, Center for the Theology of Childhood, Denver, Colorado; founder, Godly Play"An outstanding resource for those who lead ministries with children and families. Pastors who care about the spiritual development of the youngest in the flock will appreciate the implications for ministry not only with children but with all the people of God, even--perhaps especially--adults."--Diana Garland, Baylor University School of Social Work"This book is an important addition to recent literature and research on the spiritual formation of children. The fine work by these authors, long committed to the spiritual nurture of children, should lay to rest any doubts about the capacity of children to know, love, worship, and experience God in ways that put to shame many adults."--Ivy Beckwith, Congregational Church of New Canaan, Connecticut; author, Formational Children's Ministry

Thomas Schreiner's substantial New Testament Theology examined the unifying themes that emerge from a detailed reading of the New Testament canon. Magnifying God in Christ provides a student-level digest of Schreiner's massive work, exploring the key themes and teachings of the New Testament in a more accessible and concise way. In addition to summarizing the findings of Schreiner's larger work, this survey provides answers to the "so what?" question of New Testament theology.Praise for New Testament Theology"A magnificent achievement! Schreiner has combined the breadth and depth of his knowledge of the New Testament with extensive discussion of the scholarly literature. Best of all, it follows the New Testament in testifying to the majesty and glory of God."--Simon J. Gathercole, University of Cambridge"Lucid, incisive, and above all devoted to listening to the text of the New Testament, Tom Schreiner's volume is like a cool drink in a postmodern desert. If you want a New Testament theology that is informed, exegetically grounded, canonically based, trinitarian, and written from the standpoint of a sturdy faith, then this is the book for you!"--Donald A. Hagner, Fuller Theological Seminary"Thomas Schreiner is known for being a skillful and careful New Testament scholar. In his New Testament Theology his abilities and his clear, concise style are on full display as he gives us a synthetic account of this complex subject, an account that reflects his high view of Scripture. This is probably the best New Testament theology written in the last several decades from a decidedly Reformed and evangelical point of view."--Ben Witherington III, Asbury Theological Seminary"[Schreiner's] overall treatment of New Testament theology offers an excellent exposition of the New Testament's central message, the glory of God in Christ. This book is especially significant for taking a more thematic approach than most other New Testament theologies. The appendix and the helpful and full bibliography will give students an outstanding source for further study and research in the area and themes of New Testament theology. Students and scholars are in the author's debt for providing a very helpful tool that will prove its value."--Panayotis Coutsoumpos, Review of Biblical Literature

"By reframing just war as a discipline of Christian discipleship, Bell has breathed new life into the discussion surrounding this important topic. He has done so, moreover, in a manner that makes this book accessible to those well versed in the debates as well as those who are confronting these issues for the first time. We are in his debt."--Stanley Hauerwas, Duke Divinity School"Bell has written a book that I wish I had during my deployments. Just War as Christian Discipleship addresses the just war tradition in a way that not only adds to our knowledge of the historical roots of the tradition but also contributes to the Christian soldier's desire to embody the principles as lifestyle. . . . If the Christian community will take seriously Bell's call for a discipleship that embraces the just war tradition, we can all feel more confident that our nation will strive to maintain the moral high ground in its military endeavors and beyond."--Chaplain Lt. Col. Scott A. Sterling (from the foreword)"This groundbreaking book synthesizes the writing style and substance of just war ethicists Paul Ramsey and Oliver O'Donovan with that of pacifist ethicists John Howard Yoder and Stanley Hauerwas, resulting in a constructive account of just war that is embedded and embodied in the life and practices of the Christian church. It should be required reading for anyone interested in ethics and just war, especially for Christians in the pulpits and in the pews, in the classrooms and in the barracks. It will become a standard resource for helping Christians who espouse the just war tradition to adhere to it in a way that, as John Howard Yoder would put it, is honest and has teeth."--Tobias Winright, Saint Louis University"Important, accessible, and astonishing. Bell asks hard questions about the use of the just war tradition and instead of leaving that burden of conscience on soldiers, chaplains, or political leaders, he puts it where it belongs--on the whole Christian community. The book is a rich introduction to the just war tradition, a thought-provoking look at current military realities, and a clarion call for all Christians to grow in faithfulness to the One who told them to love their enemies."--Kelly S. Johnson, University of Dayton

Just below the surface of any Christian view of the Bible is the knotty issue of the biblical canon. How and when was it decided which books would make up the Bible? What makes a book canonical? Christopher Seitz challenges current understandings of the formation of the Christian canon, showing how the Old Testament fits into the canon's development. Utilizing the latest research on the biblical prophets, Seitz reveals canonical connections woven into the fabric of the Prophetic Books and argues that the Law and the Prophets cohere and give shape to the subsequent Christian canon. "Seitz offers an alternative vision of the Old Testament: its structural logic, its internal relationships, its history of formation. The result is incisive, exhilarating, and quite constructively provocative. It will be read and discussed with much profit by theologians, biblical scholars, pastors, and seminarians."--Stephen B. Chapman, associate professor of Old Testament, Duke Divinity School "Seitz has made a major contribution to canonical studies. He argues that the common distinction between Scripture and canon is illusory because it fails to understand the fundamental theological force at work in the prophetic documents that relates them to each other and to the Torah. Seitz shows that the Law and the Prophets of Israel were indispensable to the New Testament not only for the purposes of background, context, and theology but also for the shaping of the New Testament canon itself."--Stephen G. Dempster, Stuart E. Murray Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Atlantic Baptist University "Goodly Fellowship of the Prophets takes the discussion concerning Old Testament canon formation to another level. Seitz mounts an impressive array of arguments against standard conceptualities of Old Testament 'canon development' as he demonstrates that the early church never operated without a canon. With great scholarly care, insight, and breadth, Seitz argues that the material form of the Old Testament canon is a significant hermeneutical matter that demands special attention. This is a work that should shape the discussion within the discipline."--Mark S. Gignilliat, assistant professor of divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

A Streamlined Introduction to the Heart of Calvin's TheologyA leading Calvin expert offers a guide to reading John Calvin's Institutes, keyed to the McNeill/Battles translation."Nothing truly worthwhile is really easy to master, and John Calvin is one of the best theologians ever produced by the Christian faith. In this study, the range and depth of Calvin's reflections are soundly and helpfully surveyed."--Charles Partee, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary"Having Lane's book with you as you read the Institutes is like having an enthusiastic teacher sitting alongside you, helping you with the background and context, pointing you to key ideas, offering succinct summaries, sometimes challenging you to consider whether you agree with Calvin, but above all assisting you in understanding Calvin. I am glad to use this in my Calvin class and am happy to recommend its use to others."--W. P. Stephens, University of Aberdeen"A concise yet meticulous guide to the Battles translation of the Institutes. Tony Lane admirably succeeds in identifying its structure and in highlighting its arguments. This guide will be an invaluable help to new readers of Calvin's great work."--Paul Helm, Regent College"Tony Lane is one of the world's most well-respected Calvin scholars. In this book, he draws on his impressive knowledge of the Reformer to provide contemporary readers with a careful guide to the structure, argument, and content of the 1559 edition of the Institutes. This work clearly supersedes previous reading guides and is likely to become the standard overview."--Carl R. Trueman, Westminster Theological Seminary"For teachers, this reader's guide will enable them to teach the whole Institutes without pushing students to exhaustion, or to study the Institutes alongside ample selections from Calvin's other works. For students, Lane's work will lead them through the Institutes strategically--allowing time for reading and reflection--with the sort of guidance that will invite them to return for deeper and broader exploration."--John L. Thompson, Fuller Theological Seminary

"The Gospel in Human Contexts is something that only Paul Hiebert could have written in his mature years. This is a book designed to help us grapple with what it means to be human in any culture and how Christian mission is on solid footing only if it is fully engaged in exegeting what it means to be human in our new globalizing context. Both as a review of anthropological and theological theory, on the one hand, and as a sensitive meditation on becoming the sort of person who can be a genuine bridge builder, on the other, The Gospel in Human Contexts should be required reading in every course on mission and ministry."--William R. Burrows, New York Theological Seminary"The gems in this, Hiebert's final work on anthropology for missions, are the recapitulation of his thinking on critical contextualization and the spelling out in new detail of his thinking about a 'systems approach' to the study of culture for mission. A new and compelling insight is the notion of 'missionaries as global mediators.' Hiebert concludes that living a life of love in Christ demands the building of multicultural relationships and maturing as transcultural persons in order to practice a ministry that leads people into transcultural discipleship."--Sherwood Lingenfelter, Fuller Theological Seminary"In this excellent resource book, the late Paul G. Hiebert has distilled the best of his mature scholarship. Missionaries and global-minded Christian workers will savor the refreshing insights on how to bring down to earth the gospel they preach to reach the people they serve. Hiebert presents a third way to practice theology in preparing cross-cultural workers: in addition to systematic and biblical theologies, there is a need for missional theology."--Robert L. Gallagher, Wheaton College Graduate School"This engagingly written book by the leading missiological anthropologist, the late Paul Hiebert, provides a helpful overview of and perspective on missions and missiology at the beginning of the twenty-first century. It is grounded in sophisticated theory while remaining wonderfully accessible and eminently practical."--Robert J. Priest, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

"Johnson and Savidge have given Christians a unique gift with Performing the Sacred. Their clear love of theatre and deep faith in Jesus intersect to reveal the wonders hidden in a live performance. They remind us that when theology and theatre meet the result is insight into what it means to be human and a beautiful doxology to our God."--David McFadzean, Hollywood producer/writer; cocreator of the television series Home Improvement"Performance theory, history, criticism, theology, and worship are all brought together in a refreshing new look at the old art of live theatre in Performing the Sacred. It is not only an entertaining read by itself but also a unique and much-needed text for university theatre arts courses."--Gillette Elvgren, Regent University"We have been waiting years and years for theatre artists and Christian theologians to get back into serious dialogue, and there is hardly anyone better prepared to lead us than Todd Johnson and Dale Savidge. This book is a hugely significant conversation starter. Decades from now we will be saying that the conversation began with this book."--Jeff Barker, Northwestern College"The panoramic sweep of more than twenty centuries of theatre and theology is a tour de force. Christian playgoers, after reading this book, will come to understand and appreciate even more deeply the theological dynamics of incarnation, Trinity, and presence at the heart of theatre. Performing the Sacred deserves a standing ovation!"--Peter Gilmour, Institute of Pastoral Studies, Loyola University Chicago"A landmark book--the first full-length study that explores contemporary live theatre from the perspective and experience of both the theologian and the theatre artist. Performing the Sacred explores profound theological issues, but it never loses sight of the direct and immediate encounter between theatre artists and their audiences--and how lives change as a result of that real presence."--Peter L. Senkbeil, Concordia University, Irvine, California

Faithful Political Discipleship in a Post-Everything WorldGraham Ward is known for his thoughtful engagement with postmodernism and with contemporary critical theology. Here he provides an engaging account of the inherently political nature of postmodernity and thoughts on what it means to live the Christian faith within that setting. The Politics of Discipleship not only provides an accessible guide to contemporary postmodernism and its wide-ranging implications but also elaborates a discipleship that informs a faith seeking understanding, which Ward describes as "the substance of the church's political life.""For some time now, Graham Ward has blended orthodox theology, biblical study, and cultural theory with an independent originality. Now he has added politics to this mix. The result is simultaneously a greater edge to his own theology and an imbuing of contemporary political theology with more realistic depth and practical prescience than it usually exhibits. An extremely significant volume in the present time."--John Milbank, professor of religion, politics, and ethics, University of Nottingham"Extraordinary! Ward does nothing less than help us see how 'world' and 'church' implicate each other by providing an insightful and learned account of the transformation of democracy, the perversities of globalization, and the ambiguities of secularization. Perhaps even more significant is his theological proposal for the difference the church can make in the world so described. This is an extraordinary book."--Stanley Hauerwas, Gilbert T. Rowe Professor of Theological Ethics, Duke University"In this book, Graham Ward boldly offers a fresh description of the consumer economy and the processes of globalization, examining the illusions they generate, the states of amnesia they call us into, and the slavery they impose. In the process, he constructs a counter-narrative of a Christian discipleship in the service of postmaterial values that is founded on an eschatological humanism and ecclesiology. The result is a new political theology, powerfully presented, rooted in Scripture and tradition, and fully engaged in reading the postsecular signs of the times."--Peter Manley Scott, senior lecturer in Christian social thought and director of the Lincoln Theological Institute, University of Manchester

"Michael Bird tackles a question central to historical Jesus research and to understanding the development of the Christian confession: Who did Jesus say that he was? Thoroughly conversant with the extensive history of scholarship, Bird applies a rigorous critique to the dominant arguments used against attributing a messianic self-understanding to Jesus. He builds a substantial case for Jesus's messianic self-understanding by analyzing the words explicitly spoken on this topic by or about Jesus during his earthly ministry and by examining the deeds Jesus chose to enact and the roles he would have been understood--and would have understood himself--to embody by these deeds. Bird brings a fresh perspective and keen mind to this debate, painting a historically plausible picture of a Judean well versed in current messianic paradigms who crafted a ministry that reflected both an awareness of acting as God's end-time agent and a particular understanding of what that agent was to accomplish."--David A. deSilva, Ashland Theological Seminary"Michael Bird has written one of the clearest and most compelling treatments of Jesus and the messianic question that I have read. Ancient literature and modern literature are alike handled with great expertise and excellent judgment. Readers will find no long-winded, specious theories propounded here. On the contrary, this book lays out the evidence fairly and with economy and then consistently reaches sensible conclusions. In the end, Bird goes where the evidence takes him, concluding that Jesus understood himself as Israel's Messiah, which explains the nature of the name of the movement that arose in the aftermath of Easter. I recommend this book highly."--Craig A. Evans, Acadia Divinity College"Bird offers a robust defense of what might be called a 'neo-conservative' position on Jesus's self-understanding. This book will appeal to scholars from a range of perspectives due to the vast amount of ancient source material covered in detail along with an array of important modern sources. Students and scholars wanting a detailed but accessible entry into this key topic in historical Jesus studies would do well to start with Are You the One Who Is to Come?"--James Crossley, University of Sheffield

R. T. Kendall unwraps Jesus's simple stories one by one, uncovering profound meaning and offering fresh understanding of the purpose, promise, and paradox of the parables.

For those who want to go deeper in their understanding of the canon of Scripture, leading international scholars provide cutting-edge perspectives on various facets of the biblical writings, how those writings became canonical Scripture, and why canon matters. Craig Evans begins by helping those new to the field understand the different versions of the Hebrew Bible as well as the books of the Apocrypha and the Pseudepigrapha. Later essays also help beginners by explaining "canon" and the development of canons in various Jewish and Christian communities, the much-debated tripartite canon of the Hebrew Scriptures, and questions of authority. But the book also includes insightful explorations and perspectives to challenge more advanced readers, starting with Septuagint and Dead Sea Scrolls expert Emanuel Tov delving into the complexities of biblical writing and moving into a critical investigation of the usefulness of extracanonical Gospels for historical Jesus research and an exploration of the relationship of Paul to the canonization process. The result is a thought-provoking book that concludes with discussion of an issue at the fore today--the theological implications of canon.ContributorsJames H. CharlesworthStephen G. DempsterCraig A. EvansLee Martin McDonaldStanley E. PorterEmanuel TovJonathan R. WilsonR. Glenn Wooden"The eight essays in this volume form a very worthwhile set of considerations of the emerging canons of the Jewish and Christian Bibles. The complexity of the processes of canonization is refreshingly tackled on the basis of both internal and external evidence. Two essays cover some of the implications of the evidence of the Septuagint, two review especially the internal data of the Old Testament and Paul, two put in their places the Old Testament Pseudepigrapha and the New Testament Apocrypha, and two consider the theological bases of the authority that lies behind the text of Scripture. This two-by-two collection is a veritable ark full of expert analysis to enable any reader to navigate the flood of recent writing on canon. Some studies rescue old theories for a new generation; others provide polychromatic perspectives for a fresh start."--George J. Brooke, University of Manchester

This accessible introduction to Christian worldview explores how Christians can live faithfully at the crossroads of Scripture and postmodern culture.Living at the Crossroads first lays out a brief summary of the biblical story and the most fundamental beliefs of Scripture. The book then tells the story of Western culture from the classical period to postmodernity. Authors Michael Goheen and Craig Bartholomew next provide an analysis of how Christians live in the tension that exists at the intersection of the biblical and cultural stories. They proceed to tease out the implications for key areas of life, such as education, scholarship, economics, politics, and church. The result is a deeply thoughtful yet approachable book that draws on the rich tradition of Reformational thinking but contextualizes it to a postmodern setting."In this book, the authors show students how to recognize and gradually understand more fully the relevance of the living Word of God for their living, working, and studying in these complex and often bewildering times. If I still had university-age children, I would be very pleased if they received their basic introduction in academics from these two trustworthy and deeply engaged Christian educators."--Bob Goudzwaard, professor emeritus, Free University of Amsterdam"The concept of 'Christian worldview, ' let alone 'biblical worldview, ' has more often been invoked than helpfully defined. In this stimulating, well-informed, and practical sequel to The Drama of Scripture, Goheen and Bartholomew once again demonstrate their remarkable effectiveness at articulating accessibly an understanding of Christian identity in the West that is both scripturally grounded and, notably, shaped by the Reformed intellectual tradition in its ecumenical context."--David L. Jeffrey, author of Houses of the Interpreter: Reading Scripture, Reading Culture

"Daniel Treier is one of the brightest scholars working at the intersection of Scripture, hermeneutics, and theology in the evangelical academy today. Here he offers a masterful survey of the landscape and shows how evangelicals can join with Catholic scholars and others in moving the discussion forward."--Timothy George, Beeson Divinity School"This is an introduction in the best sense of that term. With uncommon clarity and grace, Treier provides students of theological interpretation with a reliable and appropriately critical map of the terrain. Because Treier is both generous in his treatment of others' work and thoughtful in presenting his own views, students will find him an enlightening and wise guide."--Stephen Fowl, Loyola College in Maryland"With an impressive mastery of the secondary literature of this new field, Treier shows how the disciplines of historical, systematic, and practical theology play into theological interpretation of Scripture. Treier suggests, like many in this new movement, that a recovery of ancient Christian practices and postures toward Holy Scripture opens the theological imagination and allows for fresh readings, informed by historical criticisms but not captured by them."--Kathryn Greene-McCreight, St. John's Episcopal Church, New Haven, CT"Many voices today clamor for the recovery of theological interpretation, from many corners and for diverse reasons. For those concerned with the significance of the church for reading Scripture, and the significance of Scripture for the church, this is a renaissance most welcome. So many different voices, though, can leave us confused--not only on the finer points of the discussion, but even about its most basic question, What is theological interpretation? We need a map, and this is precisely what Daniel Treier has provided: a map that will be as useful to those already engaged in the conversation as it is crucial for those trying to gain their first bearings."--Joel B. Green, Fuller Theological Seminary