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It's Time. Challenges to the Doctrine of the Faith by Michael Morwood. Christianity, along with other major religions, has to make sense of its major beliefs in light of contemporary knowledge about the universe and our place in it. This calls for a major overhaul in how we understand "God," how we interpret Jesus as revealing the Divine Presence in human form, and what this means for worship and prayer. This contemporary "story" is radically different from the traditional Christian story about an elsewhere, heavenly God who disconnected from humanity
"First published in 1985, this pioneering work on religious dance was written in response to the paradoxical attitude of many Christians who express an interest and enthusiasm for the arts as part of Christian worship, yet retain a suspicion, even a dislike, of dance. Dance and the Christian Faith 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 in education today. Martin Blogg relates his faith to his profession of teaching dance drama and his non-verbal approach to Christian dance opens up new avenues for the expression of the faith, complementing the more traditional forms of speech, music and sacrament. The book is a critical discussion, both theoretical and practical, of the nature and conditions of religious dance, as explored through the disciplines of scripture, education and dance as art. At the same time, Dance and the Christian Faith is a call for Christians to embrace dance as a means to prayer and worship, outreach and renewal. Although centred on dance within a religious context, much of the discussion is directly relevant to dance education and the performing arts in general. With a Foreword by the Rt Revd Maurice Wood, former Bishop of Norwich."
Looking at both historical and contemporary contexts, the author argues that religion has played a major role in suppressing scientific pursuit.
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."
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.
A scientist explores the harmony between Christian faith and science Though some Christians and many skeptics see science and Christianity as locked in a never-ending battle, geologist Gregg Davidson contends that there is tremendous harmony between Scripture and modern science. Many apparent conflicts arise when the Bible is interpreted apart from its literary and historical contexts, but when these are taken into account, most alleged clashes resolve. Proceeding from a belief that Scripture is inspired and without error and that God's creation should inform how we interpret the Bible, Davidson shows that Scripture and science need not disagree on issues like the age of the earth, Adam and Eve, Noah's flood, the origin and development of life, and numerous related topics. Rather, Christians can rejoice at how God's glory is revealed in both the Bible and the natural world.
Since September 11, 2001, there has been a resurgence of people seeking comfort and solace and searching to define or redefine their faith. Reverend Monserrat maintains that this is quite possible, since faith is not a quality of mind or personality, but a skill that can be learned. In Faith It Until You Make It, he shows readers how to develop their faith so that they can overcome any adversity and accomplish their dreams. Based upon years in the church, Reverend Monserrat has developed this nondenominational book of practical spirituality based upon an Evolution of Faith Matrix which shows the four stages of faith: Natural, Lost, Educated and Enlightened. Using inspiring and provocative stories from other people who have discovered or regained their faith, he devotes a chapter to each stage, showing readers how to work their way through their own matrix to develop an enlightened faith, regardless of their past or issues they're confronting in the present. In addition to practical exercises in each chapter, Reverend Monserrat explains how to develop a lifestyle of faith-building; how to develop a personal faith philosophy; what to do when faith is lost; how to learn through intuition and wisdom; and how to live and enjoy life's goodness.
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!
