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Of the many recent books on the historical Jesus, none has explored what the latest biblical scholarship means for personal faith. Now, in Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, Marcus Borg addresses the yearnings of those who want a fully contemporary faith that welcomes rather than oppresses our critical intelligence and openness to the best of historical scholarship. Borg shows how a rigorous examination of historical findings can lead to a new faith in Christ, one that is critical and, at the same time, sustaining. "Believing in Jesus does not mean believing doctrines about him," Borg writes. "Rather, it means to give one's heart, one's self at its deepest level, to . . . the living Lord." Drawing on his own journey from a naive, unquestioning belief in Christ through collegiate skepticism to a mature and contemporary Christian faith, Borg illustrates how an understanding of the historical Jesus can actually lead to a more authentic Christian life—one not rooted in creeds or dogma, but in a life of spiritual challenge, compassion, and community. In straightforward, accessible prose, Borg looks at the major findings of modern Jesus scholarship from the perspective of faith, bringing alive the many levels of Jesus' character: spirit person, teacher of alternative wisdom, social prophet, and movement founder. He also reexamines the major stories of the Old Testament vital to an authentic understanding of Jesus, showing how an enriched understanding of these stories can uncover new truths and new pathways to faith. For questioning believers, doubters, and reluctant unbelievers alike, Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time frees our understanding of Jesus' life and message from popular misconceptions and outlines the way to a sound and contemporary faith: "For ultimately, Jesus is not simply a figure of the past, but a figure of the present. Meeting that Jesus—the living one who comes to us even now—will be like meeting Jesus again for the first time."
"A devastating attack upon the dominance of atheism in science today." Giovanni Fazio, Senior Physicist, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics The debate over the ultimate source of truth in our world often pits science against faith. In fact, some high-profile scientists today would have us abandon God entirely as a source of truth about the universe. In this book, two professional astronomers push back against this notion, arguing that the science of today is not in a position to pronounce on the existence of God—rather, our notion of truth must include both the physical and spiritual domains. Incorporating excerpts from a letter written in 1615 by famed astronomer Galileo Galilei, the authors explore the relationship between science and faith, critiquing atheistic and secular understandings of science while reminding believers that science is an important source of truth about the physical world that God created.
Looking at both historical and contemporary contexts, the author argues that religion has played a major role in suppressing scientific pursuit.
Steve Wilkens edits a debate between three different understandings of the relationship between faith and reason, between theology and philosophy. The three views include: Faith and Philosophy in Tension, Faith Seeking Understanding and the Thomistic Synthesis. This introduction to a timeless quandary is an essential resource for students.
This is a detailed examination of the theological innovations of Kevin Vanhoozer and John Franke. Each proposes that doctrinal and systematic theology should be re-cast in the light of postmodernity. No longer can Christian theology be foundational,or have a stable metaphysical and epistemological framework. Vanhoozer advocates a theo-dramatic reconstruction of Christian doctrine, replacing the timeless propositions of the purely cerebral theology of the Reformed tradition in favor of a theology that does justice to the polyphony of multiple biblical genres. Franke holds that theology is part of a three-way conversation between Scripture, tradition, and culture, with an uncertain outcome. This study shows that each of these proposals is based on misunderstanding and exaggeration, and that the case against foundationalism is unclear and unpersuasive. It is argued that Vanhoozer's appeal to revelation as divine speech-acts is not as radical as he thinks, and his epistemology is weak. In the hands of postmodernity, Christian theology abandons its exactness and the standards of care that are a notable feature of doctrinal constrictions. The book will be of importance to those with interest in Reformed theology or Christian theology more generally. It provides a clear assessment of the impact of the postmodern mindset on theology.
God desires for you to experience a glimpse of the spectacular - the power of faith in Him. As an alert, humble, and teachable sojourner, you will discover power in the promises of God, anticipating all of life in His power. As you spend eight weeks exploring guided devotions inspired by heroes of faith from the books of Hebrews, the Gospels, and Romans, you will find out how faith walking people live a victorious life from the examples of Abraham, Moses, the Prophets, the Disciples, and Jesus, learn to run your race by faith not sight, attempting things well beyond your own strength, and discover the sure reliance on what God says in His Word, in His promises, and in His commandments. You'll find short, inspirational selections from great devotional writers, Scripture verses to look up and reflect on, thoughtul questions inviting your response, prayer starters, and more. Catherine Martin's myPhotoWalk Devotional Photography images enhance every daily quiet time. Spend eight weeks transforming your mind with God's promises and you will experience a walk on water faith that will empower a lifetime!
This book examines what the bible says about both dance and worship, and relates it to an understanding of what dance is and how it can be used in the church and education today. Martin Bloggs relates his faith to his profession of teaching Dance Drama and his non verbal approach to Christian dance opens new avenues for the expression of the faith. The book is a critical discussion, both theoretical and practical, into the nature and conditions of religious dance seen within the disciplines of Scripture Education and Art.Although centred on dance much of the discussion is directly relevant to the performing arts in general.
WHAT IS JESUS WORTH TO YOU? It's easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live, what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They would abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily... BUT WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO LIVES LIKE THAT? DO YOU? In Radical, David Platt challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences. He shows what Jesus actually said about being his disciple--then invites you to believe and obey what you have heard. And he tells the dramatic story of what is happening as a successful" suburban church decides to get serious about the gospel according to Jesus. Finally, he urges you to join in The Radical Experiment -- a one-year journey in authentic discipleship that will transform how you live in a world that desperately needs the Good News Jesus came to bring. (From the 2010 edition)"
Where Faith Grows is a new, interactive Bible curriculum series designed to help you develop your child's love for God and His Word. Within the six-book series, you will find the tools needed to disciple your student, share your faith with them, and give them a solid, biblical foundation for life.Designed for first grade or ages 6-9, Where Faith Grows - Level 1 will help you reveal who God is, how He works in your life, and in the life of your child. You will have the delight of guiding your child in a discovery of God's character traits and how they can relate to Him. Because He is trustworthy, they can commit to Him. Because He is eternal, they can respond to Him with patience. Because He is holy, they can practice self-control. Your relationship with God and your child will flourish as you take this journey of discipleship together.This course requires two of our best-selling children's books: Big Thoughts for Little Thinkers: The Scripture and Big Thoughts for Little Thinkers: The Trinity.
