LITMIR.BIZ

Was Jonathan Edwards always–or ever–the stalwart and unquestioning Reformed theologian that he is often portrayed as being? In what ways did his own conversion fail to meet the standards of his Puritan ancestors? And how did this affect his understanding of the divine being and of the nature of justification? Becoming Divine investigates the early theological career of Edwards, finding him deep in a crisis of faith that drove him into an obsessive lifelong search for answers. Instead of a fear of God-which he had been taught to understand as proof of his conversion-he experienced a «surprising, amazing joy.» Suddenly he saw the divine being in everything and felt himself transported into a heavenly world, becoming one with the divine family. What he developed, as he sought to make sense of this unexpected joy, is a theology that is both ancient and early modern-a theology of divine participation rooted in the incarnation of Christ.

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Abraham Lincoln did not take his family Bible to the White House. And the reason he did not use the Bible in his first inaugural address was not because it failed to arrive in his baggage. Freed concentrates on what Abraham Lincoln himself says instead of what others say about him, which yields insights into understanding Lincoln's speech before the Young Men's Lyceum, his reply to the «Loyal Colored People of Baltimore,» and his Second Inaugural Address. The author shows that much of what has been written about Lincoln's knowledge of the Bible and its influence on his thought is myth. Although his language was replete with vocabulary from the Bible, Lincoln's knowledge of it was superficial, and he did not use the Bible to promote religion. He was always a politician, but with a moral sensitivity. With the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution, he used the Bible to help him achieve his political ambitions and to support the emancipation of slaves. A unique book on a subject never treated so thoroughly, this is a must-read for all Lincoln admirers.

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This is the first volume of Ferguson's collected essays, and includes some of his most memorable work, especially on «laying on of hands.»

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In Christ and the New Creation, Matthew Emerson takes a fresh approach to understanding New Testament theology by using a canonical methodology. Although typically confined to Old Testament theology, Emerson sees fruitfulness in applying this method to New Testament theology as well. Instead of a thematic or book-by-book analysis, Emerson attempts to trace the primary theological message of the New Testament through paying attention to its narrative and canonical shape. He concludes that the order of the books of the New Testament emphasize the story of Christ's inauguration, commissioning, and consummation of the new creation.

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This work addresses a pivotal and controversial area lying at the heart of T. F. Torrance's Christology. Namely, that Jesus Christ assumed fallen and sinful humanity and, living out a sinless life from within our alienated state, healed our human nature. This is a claim that is conceptually basic to Torrance's integration of incarnation and atonement, and thus to his soteriology as a whole. It's pervasive nature and its significance within the overall structure of Torrance's thought is thoroughly and sympathetically set forth. Christ's assumption of sinful flesh is seen to lie underneath a number of disputed areas in Torrance's thought such as the role, or lack thereof, of human responsibility, and the question of universalism. This work not only illuminates, but rigorously examines the claim that «the unassumed is the unhealed.»

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Mainline Christianity in the West is dying. Addiction to hierarchical and bureaucratic power is killing it. A management-god and a mission-god have usurped the Way of Christ. In the midst of decline the missional movement is attempting to reboot the church. Its goal is to remake a New Christian West through mission, leadership, mapping, and planning. Yet it is trapped in the language and methods of modernity. Its final solution is a polarizing vision of cultural domination by one social group, the Christians. The Way of Life and Truth has been forgotten. Christ is not a conquering King, a written Word, or an absolute Idea, but a divine Human Being. Social wholeness can only be realized through a rediscovery of Conversation, Reconciliation, and Empowerment. These reflect Christ's practices of eternal dialogue and reciprocal giving in small communities. Through this mutual Way of Life people of all faiths (and none) can discover deep within themselves Our Un/Known G-d. A gentle voice is whispering in the heart of all humanity, «I am . . . the Way.»

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What does Jesus mean when he says, «A disciple is not above his teacher, but each disciple, after being fully trained, will be like his teacher» (Luke 6:40)? This verse has been quoted, cited, and referenced in vast amounts of Christian education and discipleship literature. Nevertheless, the verse is nearly untouched in exegetical discussions with the exception of source-critical analyses. From this verse arises an undeveloped theme in the Gospel of Luke and the New Testament–the theme of likeness education. Using content analysis methodology, Luke 6:40–one of the keystone passages in Christian education literature–serves as the starting point for mining out the theme of likeness education in the New Testament. This study consists of three concentric areas of investigation: (1) Luke 6:40 and its immediate context, (2) Luke-Acts, and (3) the New Testament corpus.

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This book is written for millions of people who have been taught to fear the myths of Satan and Hell, and millions of others who reject the concepts and wish reassurances. When a Lutheran groom and his lovely Harvard-educated bride stood before me, would she eventually go to Hell because she is a Hindu and not a Christian? Is there really a Satan and a Hell, and is our Creator that cruel? It was then that Donald Emmel began his intensive study of the myths of Satan and Hell.
Emmel's research reveals that through misunderstandings and mistranslations we have ended up with a cranky, punishing Creator that is not in the Hebrew canon, nor the Gospels, nor the authentic letters of Paul. Emmel concludes that Jesus and Paul retained the Hebrew canon's concepts of hassatan as an adversary working with God, and sheol and gehenna as places of death.
In explaining our world today, we must not fly in the face of the vast scientific knowledge, which we utilize but which the ancient mythmakers did not. The ancient myths of Satan as a destructive god, and Hell as punishment for sinners, no longer have validity in the world we now embrace and should therefore be eliminated from our theologies.

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John Knox ranks among the great leaders of the Reformed tradition. In particular, he made significant contributions to this movement as it unfolded in Scotland. In doing so, Knox wore many hats–prophet, pastor, preacher, reformer, statesman, revolutionary, and more. God's Watchman: John Knox's Faith and Vocation attempts to connect these aspects of Knox's life. Being a man of action, these roles come to the forefront. Still, they rest on a particular faith shaped by his interpretation of Scripture, his view of God, and the events of sixteenth-century Europe. Section one of this study establishes these beliefs. Part two spells out his vocation–namely, functioning as a prophet, pastor, and preacher. All of this–his faith and vocation–culminated in his revolutionary political ideas, which are the subject of section three.

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At a time when pews are not as full as they used to be, many churches are struggling to stay open. But no matter how creative or hard-working, some congregations are unable to revitalize their ministry. Is it time to talk about closing your church? Are there any other options for your future? Toward the Better Country tells the stories of real congregations that have faced a significant downsizing, merger, or closure and found positive ways to move forward in ministry. While no local church is meant to live forever, congregations that have chosen to faithfully complete their ministry are finding hope in the new ventures born from passing on their spiritual and material legacies. Based on over thirty interviews with church leaders from various denominations, this practical resource offers guidance to lay leaders, clergy, and regional leaders as they deal with the grief and discernment process of struggling churches. Designed for group study, each chapter includes reflection questions for discussion. A listing of additional resources is also included.

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