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Why do well-meaning, intelligent people disagree about the Bible? What should I do when people disagree? How can I use disagreement to help me understand the Bible more clearly? If I can't agree with someone on how to read the Bible, does it mean the end of fellowship? How many times have you had a conversation with someone that involved a disagreement over the Bible? And how many times have these conversations led to interruptions of friendships or even extended family disputes? Some of these disputes have split congregations. Even the more mild disagreements can leave us perplexed. Why is it that something so plain to one is so obviously unconvincing to others? This often leads us to search for ways to convince others through honing our interpretive skills, doing elaborate word studies, consulting scholarly commentaries and the like. In the end, however, people don't easily change their minds, and we are left to wonder why. This book differs from most in that rather than looking at how to interpret the Bible properly, we'll examine the sources of disagreement among interpreters. We all have our own ways of trying to understand the Bible and they are close to our hearts. Many of us think our way is superior to most, if not all. But we will not venture into who is right and who is wrong in our interpretations. What concerns us here is why we interpret the way we do and what our attitude should be toward those with whom we disagree.

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All of humanity lives with the certainty of death. In this world we do not live forever. But what happens afterward? Is there something beyond the grave? How should we react to the loss of loved ones, whether through an untimely accident or old age? With one foot in the world of theological reflection and the other in the untidy nature of daily life and of spirituality in action, Dr. Bruce Epperly embraces hope while recognizing fear, adventure even in lives touched by regret, and confidence in the face of uncertainty to help us explore the possibilities a loving God has placed before us. We can grieve our loss while looking forward with joy. We can acknowledge what we don't know, while expecting more than we are able to imagine. If you've ever wondered what happens next, this is the book for you.

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In Christianity: The Basics , Elgin Hushbeck presents the basic doctrines that have defined orthodox Christianity down through the ages, giving a basic defense for this core of the Christian Faith. He also addresses questions such as can we really know and understand what the Bible teaches; isn’t it all just a matter of interpretation; and what do we mean when we say someone is, or is not, a Christian? This is a serious study, but is written in language that anyone can understand. It is suitable for use in classes in basic Christianity as well as for those who want to refresh their memory about the basics and prepare to share their faith intelligently and with grace.

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Climate Change has become a major topic of debate in today’s politics, with some advocating serious changes in policy in response to it, and others suggesting that scientists and politicians are misreading, misrepresenting, and misapplying the data. Elgin Hushbeck, Jr. is not afraid to challenge scientific orthodoxy, and in fact believes it is very important that we do so. In this little book, he gives an introduction to a number of problems that he and others see with the apparent consensus view on this topic. His intention is to use this one case as a model for how we need to handle scientific data and dissent from consensus opinions in order to preserve the integrity of the scientific process. Is important data being ignored? Is it being interpreted to fit an existing view? How should we respond as a society? You’ll have a chance to examine some of these questions in the pages of this book.

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A pastor says, «If you think you understand the trinity, you've probably fallen into heresy.» An expert in biblical studies says, «The trinity is one of the best ways ever invented to say, 'We don't have a clue!'» Many people say the trinity is not found in the Bible, so what is it doing as a doctrine? This lively and challenging book asks you to think about the trinity, what it means, how it came to be, and what value it might have in Christian conversation today. If you don't want to have your thinking challenged, or you'd rather just go on saying, «I believe in the trinity,» without knowing what you're saying, then definitely stay away from this book! To the rest of you, «Enjoy!»

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In this brief, lively, and engaging book, Dr. Bruce Epperly untangles the difficult concepts of process theology and shows how we can envision a God who is in relation to us throughout our lives here and in the next world. He believes that “God is present at the moment of our conception, guides us through the adventures of this lifetime, urging us to rejoice in embodiment and bring healing to our world, and upon our final earthly breath receives us with open arms with visions of future adventures in communion with God and our fellow creatures.” Not only is this theology easy to understand, it challenges us to live out God’s adventure in with joy, sharing God’s life with all of God’s creatures.

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Is heaven a place, somewhere we go? Is it a future goal, attainable only after this life ends? Pastor and educator Dr. Terrell Carter looks at this issue with a pastor’s heart and a scholars precision, looking at what the Bible teaches us and how this might relate to how we live, act, and worship today. In the process, he introduces readers to such theological terms as Kingdom of Heaven and Kingdom of God. Why a kingdom? Read this book to find out. In each chapter of this book you’ll learn something new about how the Bible speaks about heaven and the afterlife. You’ll read the parables of Jesus on this topic with a new vision. You’ll find things in the book of Revelation that you might have been missing. And you’ll find all this in an easy to read style. This book is a good, quick read for those who are in hurry for an introduction, and it provides a sound basis for a short study on heaven, the afterlife, and life on earth in the meantime for a small study group.

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