The Dangers of Christian Practice

The Dangers of Christian Practice

PDF The Dangers of Christian Practice Download

  • Author: Lauren F. Winner
  • Publisher: Yale University Press
  • ISBN: 0300215827
  • Category : Baptism
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 241

Challenging the central place that "practices" have recently held in Christian theology, Lauren Winner explores the damages these practices have inflicted over the centuries Sometimes, beloved and treasured Christian practices go horrifyingly wrong, extending violence rather than promoting its healing. In this bracing book, Lauren Winner provocatively challenges the assumption that the church possesses a set of immaculate practices that will definitionally train Christians in virtue and that can't be answerable to their histories. Is there, for instance, an account of prayer that has anything useful to say about a slave-owning woman's praying for her slaves' obedience? Is there a robustly theological account of the Eucharist that connects the Eucharist's goods to the sacrament's central role in medieval Christian murder of Jews? Arguing that practices are deformed in ways that are characteristic of and intrinsic to the practices themselves, Winner proposes that the register in which Christians might best think about the Eucharist, prayer, and baptism is that of "damaged gift." Christians go on with these practices because, though blighted by sin, they remain gifts from God.


Following Jesus in a Culture of Fear

Following Jesus in a Culture of Fear

PDF Following Jesus in a Culture of Fear Download

  • Author: Scott Bader-Saye
  • Publisher: Brazos Press
  • ISBN: 1493427504
  • Category : Religion
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 208

Fear has taken on an outsized role in our current cultural and political context. Manufactured threats are advanced with little to no evidence of danger, while real threats are exaggerated for self-interested gain. This steady diet of fear produces unhealthy moral lives, leading many Christians to focus more on the dangers we wish to avoid than the goods we wish to pursue. As a fearful people, we are tempted to make safety our highest good and to make virtues of suspicion, preemption, and accumulation. But this leaves the church ill-equipped to welcome the stranger, love the enemy, or give to those in need. This timely resource brings together cultural analysis and theological insight to explore a Christian response to the culture of fear. Laying out a path from fear to faithfulness, theologian Scott Bader-Saye explores practices that embody Jesus's call to place our trust in him, inviting Christian communities to take the risks of hospitality, peacemaking, and generosity. This book has been revised throughout, updated to connect with today's readers, and includes new discussion questions.


The Dangers of Christian Practice

The Dangers of Christian Practice

PDF The Dangers of Christian Practice Download

  • Author: Lauren F. Winner
  • Publisher: Yale University Press
  • ISBN: 030024116X
  • Category : Religion
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 241

Challenging the central place that “practices” have recently held in Christian theology, Lauren Winner explores the damages these practices have inflicted over the centuries Sometimes, beloved and treasured Christian practices go horrifyingly wrong, extending violence rather than promoting its healing. In this bracing book, Lauren Winner provocatively challenges the assumption that the church possesses a set of immaculate practices that will definitionally train Christians in virtue and that can’t be answerable to their histories. Is there, for instance, an account of prayer that has anything useful to say about a slave-owning woman’s praying for her slaves’ obedience? Is there a robustly theological account of the Eucharist that connects the Eucharist’s goods to the sacrament’s central role in medieval Christian murder of Jews? Arguing that practices are deformed in ways that are characteristic of and intrinsic to the practices themselves, Winner proposes that the register in which Christians might best think about the Eucharist, prayer, and baptism is that of “damaged gift.” Christians go on with these practices because, though blighted by sin, they remain gifts from God.


Sidewalks in the Kingdom (The Christian Practice of Everyday Life)

Sidewalks in the Kingdom (The Christian Practice of Everyday Life)

PDF Sidewalks in the Kingdom (The Christian Practice of Everyday Life) Download

  • Author: Eric O. Jacobsen
  • Publisher: Baker Books
  • ISBN: 1585583790
  • Category : Religion
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 190

Christians often talk about claiming our cities for Christ and the need to address urban concerns. But according to Eric Jacobsen, this discussion has remained far too abstract. Sidewalks in the Kingdom challenges Christians to gain an informed vision for the physical layout and structure of the city. Jacobsen emphasizes the need to preserve the nourishing characteristics of traditional city life, including shared public spaces, thriving neighborhoods, and a well-supported local economy. He explains how urban settings create unexpected and natural opportunities to initiate friendship and share faith in Christ. Helpful features include a glossary, a bibliography, and a description of New Urbanism. Pastors, city-dwellers, and those interested in urban ministry and development will be encouraged by Sidewalks in the Kingdom.


Practicing His Presence

Practicing His Presence

PDF Practicing His Presence Download

  • Author: Brother Lawrence
  • Publisher: Christian Books Publishing House
  • ISBN: 9780940232013
  • Category : Religion
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 110

If you wish to know your Lord in a deeper way, your are invited to join the numerous Christians who, over three centuries, have turned to this book in order to begin that journey to the depths of Christ.


Jesus Calling My First Bible Storybook

Jesus Calling My First Bible Storybook

PDF Jesus Calling My First Bible Storybook Download

  • Author: Sarah Young
  • Publisher: Tommy Nelson
  • ISBN: 1400237211
  • Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 42

Jesus Calling® Bible stories with Jesus Calling devotions are now available for toddlers! Jesus Calling My First Bible Storybook includes simple Bible stories accompanied by short messages of Jesus’ love for children. Delightful art makes this a perfect companion to Jesus Calling for Little Ones. You already know and love the Jesus Calling® brand, and the new Jesus Calling My First Bible Storybook is the perfect way to introduce your littlest ones to the Bible and to Jesus and His love. You and your family will enjoy this Bible storybook night after night.


The Dangers of Growing Up in a Christian Home

The Dangers of Growing Up in a Christian Home

PDF The Dangers of Growing Up in a Christian Home Download

  • Author: Donald Sloat
  • Publisher:
  • ISBN: 9780967110509
  • Category : Christian education of children
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 328

"How can a Christian home be dangerous? When it is based on legalistic practices and demands strict compliance with no consideration for a child's feelings. This highly controlled environment interferes with normal child development because it prevents children from learning how to think for themselves and to experience their emotions. Out of their fear and concern, well- meaning conservative Christian parents and church leaders have used the Cross as a club to scare children into the Kingdom and motivate them to serve Christ. The focus is on avoiding the "Master List" of sins, not personal growth.This approach is especially damaging to those with sensitive personalities who tend to take everything in life seriously. The more outgoing self-assured persons are able to blunt the scare tactics, so they struggle differently from their sensitive siblings. Using the DiSC system, the author describes various personality and behavioral styles to illustrate the differences.With personal experiences and stories from damaged Christians, the author describes these dangers and uses psychological/spiritual insights to explain how how individuals can work through these issues and retain their essential faith. Learn how Christians can find answers that work withoutthrowing God out of their lives


Meditation

Meditation

PDF Meditation Download

  • Author: Charles H. Spurgeon
  • Publisher: Felipe chavarro
  • ISBN:
  • Category : Religion
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 48

To encourage God’s people, we present this issue of the Free Grace Broadcaster on Meditation. Meditation is essential for a healthy walk with Christ and growth in grace. Charles Spurgeon introduces this subject with a helpful overview of the importance, practice, and benefits of biblical meditation. Thomas Watson defines what it is. Thomas Manton is convinced meditation is a biblical duty, and he tells us why. What is the nature of meditation? Isaac Ambrose answers that and describes the time, place, and matter of that holy practice. William Bates beautifully instructs us in occasional meditation, focusing on God’s creation, and George Swinnock offers five descriptions of solemn and set meditation on sacred subjects. Are there real dangers in neglecting this holy act of deep thinking? Edmund Calamy lists twelve! And they are sobering. John Owen, a deeply spiritually-minded pastor and theologian, presents us with practical helps for meditating upon God, and then A. W. Pink meticulously shows us how to approach a biblical text so that we can chew the Bread of Life. Are you new to meditation and wonder what to meditate about? In a second article, Thomas Watson gives a beautiful panorama of biblical themes to fix our hearts on, starting with God in eternity, progressing to Christ in history, and extending to heaven and hell. Then, Jonathan Edwards urges us to show our love to Christ; he does so by giving us a wonderful description of His loveliness. Spurgeon, a great advocate and practitioner of meditation, closes this issue by instructing us with sweet meditations of Jesus Christ our Lord. And how precious they are! Be forewarned: meditation is hard in our too-busy, distracted world; but this FGB is a brief “how-to” that we pray will fan the flames of your heart to seek the glory of Christ in Scripture and to love Him as never before.


How to be a Bad Christian

How to be a Bad Christian

PDF How to be a Bad Christian Download

  • Author: Dave Tomlinson
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • ISBN: 1444703846
  • Category : Religion
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 217

In the course of his work as a vicar, Dave Tomlinson meets lots of people who describe themselves as 'not good enough' to be a Christian, thinking that faith involves going to church a lot, or believing in a list of strange things, or following certain rules. But being a Christian isn't about any of that - and actually, following Jesus is a lot easier, and more fun, than most people think... In this handbook to Christianity for people who describe themselves as spiritual but not necessarily religious, Dave sketches out some key practices for how to be a 'bad' Christian, including how to talk to God without worrying about prayer, how to read the Bible without turning off your brain, and how to think with your soul rather than trying to follow rules. With beautiful illustrations from artist Rob Pepper, this is an accessible, light-hearted book, but one with a powerful invitation: to be the person you've always wanted to be, following a God you've always hoped is on your side.


The Spirit of the Disciplines - Reissue

The Spirit of the Disciplines - Reissue

PDF The Spirit of the Disciplines - Reissue Download

  • Author: Dallas Willard
  • Publisher: Zondervan
  • ISBN: 0060694424
  • Category : Religion
  • Languages : en
  • Pages : 292

How to Live as Jesus Lived Dallas Willard, one of today's most brilliant Christian thinkers and author of The Divine Conspiracy (Christianity Today's 1999 Book of the Year), presents a way of living that enables ordinary men and women to enjoy the fruit of the Christian life. He reveals how the key to self-transformation resides in the practice of the spiritual disciplines, and how their practice affirms human life to the fullest. The Spirit of the Disciplines is for everyone who strives to be a disciple of Jesus in thought and action as well as intention.