Bøger udgivet af Chalice Press

Heather Kirk-Davidoff and Nancy Wood Lyczak believe that the key to nurturing faith lies in two Christian practices: prayer--conversation with God; and evangelism--conversation with others, especially those who are not part of a faith community. In this group resource they combine Bible study, interactive activities, songs, prayers, and discussion to explore what it means to have a vital Christian faith and to share their faith with others. In all classes, Jesus Christ and the Bible are central to the discussion, helping participants to see Jesus as the foundation from which all conversation about Christian faith begins.

Exploring theological anthropology, the doctrine of what it means to be human and to be created in God's image, Fernandez argues that our life in the image of God is damaged and frustrated by the systemic evils of society, particularly classism, racism, sexism, and naturism (destructive practices against the ecosystem). At the heart of these four evils are matters of faith and idolatry, idols that demand the sacrifice of our souls, bodies, time, and anything that we cherish most. In response, Fernandez constructs an alternative anthropology that is nonanthropocentric. He proposes an anthropology that seeks connections while respecting the integrity of the individual, that moves beyond patriarchy, and that makes possible the development of an integrated self. His alternative anthropology transgresses class privileges and restores the humanity of all; it is not "color-blind" nor indifferent to difference, but sees difference as a principle of interdependence and life.

Do you find that your quiet time with God is disrupted by dozens of thoughts running through your head and a restlessness, a need to get up and move? You want to have a deeper and more meaningful prayer life, but you can?t stay focused. If you are one of the millions for whom contemplative prayer is difficult, this book is for you. In Prayer for People Who Can?t Sit Still, William Tenny-Brittian, an adult who has ADHD, goes back to ancient times and into the techno-generation to share ten types of kinesthetic prayer (prayer that involve the whole body and senses, not just your mind and mouth) that will appeal to even the most fidgety as they seek to connect with God.

A theology in tune with postcolonial theory has the potential to creatively inform and transform ecclesial practice. Focusing on the relation of theology to postcolonial theory, Postcolonial Theologies brings together a wide diversity of authors, many of them fresh and exciting theological voices, in essays that are stunningly creative and prophetically lucid. All essays are theologically constructive, not merely deconstructive or critical, in their visions for Christianity. Forming a sort of doctrinal landscape, they emerge under the themes of theological anthropology shaped by ethnicity, class, and privilege; a Christology that intersects the claims of Christ and empire; and a Cosmology that imagines a postcolonial world.

Effective evangelistic sermons require preachers to know their audience and to tailor their preaching accordingly. Chris Altrock uses findings of the Barna Research Group and his own experiences as a preacher to support his descriptions of several characteristics common to the unchurched or the lost crowd of today. Recognizing that the audience today is vastly different from previous generations, Altrock suggests several approaches to these postmodern listeners, challenging preachers to change their sermons in order to reach the "field of harvest" that Jesus calls the church to love.

Cartwright helps Disciples understand their rich heritage and unique characteristics.

"New Testament Themes" focuses on the worldview and values of the early church, tracing the development of the themes of grace, discipleship, community, and apocalypticism.

Introduction to the Psalms: A Song from Ancient Israel seeks to provide the reader with a solid introduction to the Hebrew Psalter, one that is informed by an interest in its shape and shaping. The author, Nancy deClaisse-Walford, provides an up-to-date study on the poetic style of the psalms in the Psalter, their Gattungen or genres, the broad shape of the book, and the history of its shaping. She introduces each of the five books of the Psalter, providing a detailed examination of those individual psalms that are either key to the shaping of the Psalter or interesting studies in poetic style. In the final chapter, deClaisse-Walford draws conclusions about the shape of the Psalter and about its story and message. She proposes a way to read the Psalms as a unified whole and in relationship to one another rather than as individual pieces, giving an inclusive, all-encompassing shape to the Psalter. Included are two appendices that provide a listing of the superscriptions and Gattungen of the psalms in the Hebrew Psalter and an explanation of many of the technical terms found in their superscriptions.

The purpose of this handbook is to introduce the reader to Christian concepts from the perspective of U.S. marginalized communities. It explores the interrelationship between religion, community, and culture in the social context of marginalized groups rooted in African American, Amerindian, Asian American, feminist, gay/lesbian, and Hispanic experiences, and their impact on the development of U.S. theologies of liberation. The handbook gives attention to the history, nature, sources, and development of these theologies and the theologians who contributed to their formation. Of particular interest is how the handbook distinguishes both the differences and similarities between these U.S. theologies and their Latin American counterparts. The handbook is divided into thematic essays that provide general overviews of theological themes from the perspectives of different groups and contextual essays that focus on contributions of scholars from various racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds.

Sandra Hack Polaski introduces readers to the letters and world of Paul, encouraging a critical appreciation of Paul and his writings that does not require a choice between commitment to the scriptures and integrity as a modern feminist. In conversation with the leading interpreters of Paul and considering possible responses to Paul?conformist, resistant, rejectionist, and transformational?Polaski forges her own theory of how to interpret Paul. She reads, emphasizes, and reinterprets overlooked, neglected, misintegrated, or differently interpreted Pauline texts, making visible the invisible and challenging the accepted readings. Polaski uncovers both the ideologies behind the text and the ideologies the text seeks to suppress. She traces the trajectories toward which the texts point even if Paul did not fully follow the trajectories to their logical end. Such a program leads Polaski to find God's New Creation as the operative center of Pauline thought.

Many people shy away from those who have terminal illnesses or have suffered other tragedies or losses, because they do not know what to do or to say. They want to be helpful, to show their concern, but they feel awkward and afraid their actions or words will be inappropriate. Call Me If You Need Anything...and Other Things Not to Say can help even the most unsure provide care and comfort to others during the challenging times of their lives. With insights from personal experience, Cathy Peterson turns good intentions into real help and encouragement for the patient and family. She provides sensible advice, not philosophical rhetoric, on everything from sending cards to bringing food, to spending time, to sharing condolences. Peterson even includes guidance on what not to do or say. Call Me If You Need Anything...and Other Things Not to Say is straightforward guidance on how to show that you really do care.

Created by God is an introduction to pastoral care from a theological perspective. Author Peggy Wayargues toward a definition of pastoral care as bearing faithful witness to the joy of creation and the goodness of God. In ten cogent and compassionate essays, she introduces concepts of pastoral theology that will theologically ground congregations in, not only to doing care, but in being caring places. Each essay connects a practical theology of pastoral care with the ordinary world of congregations. Essays are organized into three ?movements?: theological anthropology, identity and community, and hope and possibilities, presenting a broad range of practice.