This ground-breaking book challenges readers to rethink the dividebetween liberal and orthodox approaches which characterisesChristianity today. Provides an alternative to the liberal / orthodox divide incontemporary Christianity. Defends Christianity’s engagement with non-Christiantraditions. Includes important discussion of theological method. Illustrated with case studies involving human rights,interfaith tolerance, economics, and ethics.
World-renowned theologian Jeremy Begbie has been at the forefront of teaching and writing on theology and the arts for more than twenty years. Amid current debates and discussions on the topic, Begbie emphasizes the role of a biblically grounded creedal orthodoxy as he shows how Christian theology and the arts can enrich each other. Throughout the book, Begbie demonstrates the power of classic trinitarian faith to bring illumination, surprise, and delight whenever it engages with the arts.
Engages cutting-edge scientific research on love and altruism to offer a definition of love that is scientifically, theologically, and philosophically adequate.
A transformative exploration of queer theology and the debate around same-sex marriage within the Church. Clare Herbert draws on her experience as a priest within the Church of England in a committed same-sex relationship and considers the questions that have shaped religious debate for many years. This book explores the concept of same-sex marriage in relation to the heteronormative definition of marriage, and its effect on past understandings of the sacrament. Interweaving stories from Christians struggling to reconcile their faith with their sexuality alongside wider queer theology and the theology of marriage, Herbert explores the unique understanding of God provided by the experience of committed same-sex love , and lays the groundwork for redefining the traditional definition of marriage.
Does the Bible provide a construct for marriage that is relevant for a confused world? This book reflects a pastor's conviction that biblical revelation culminating in Christ does speak to the issues and potentials for marriage in such a world. By focusing on what the biblical vocabulary of marriage, from Genesis to Revelation, may reveal of the Creator-Redeemer's intent for marriage, Ernest D. Martin develops a Christological paradigm for marriage that is consistent and applicable. Pastors, teachers, and counselors will find biblical faith perspectives useful in responding to the challenges and opportunities they face in the several phases of marital relationships. This short book will greatly benefit anyone seriously concerned with what the Bible says about marriage.
Evangelicals today probably have more political influence in the United States than at any time in the last century--but they might not be certain what to do with it. It has been difficult to develop a unified voice on pressing issues such as social justice and moral renewal. Bestselling author and theologian Ron Sider offers a biblically grounded, factually rooted, Christian approach to politics that cuts across ideological divides. Shaped by a careful study of society, this book will guide readers into more thoughtful and effective political activity. It addresses perennially tough questions that often divide the church and includes a case study of the federal deficit debate. Practical, balanced, and nonpartisan, this book will be a welcome resource during the 2012 presidential race. This is a revised version of what was previously published as The Scandal of Evangelical Politics.
As a writer and prophet Dostoevsky was no academic theologian, yet his writings are deeply theological: his life, beliefs, even his epilepsy, all had a role in generating his theology and eschatology. Dostoevsky's novels are riven with paradoxes, are deeply dialectical, and represent a criticism of religion, offered in the service of the gospel. In this task he presented a profound understanding and portrait of humanity. Dostoevsky's novels chart the movement of the human into death: either the movement through paradox and Christlikeness into Christ's cross (a soteriology often characterized by the apophatic negation and self-denial; what we may term "the Mark of Abel") leading to salvation and resurrection; or, conversely, the movement of those who refuse Christ's invitation to be redeemed, and continue to fall into a self-willed death and a self-generated hell (the Mark of "Cain"). This eschatology becomes a theological axiom which he unceasingly warned people of in his mature works. Startlingly original, stripped of all religious pretence (some prostitutes and criminals might just have a better understanding of salvation than some of the pietistic, wealthy, and cultured classes), Dostoevsky as a prophet forewarned of the politicized humanistic delusions of the twentieth century: a prophet crying out through the wilderness.
This book offers an up-to-date examination of the nature and development of animal theology. It considers what animal theology is and how it challenges, and is challenged by, liberation and ecological theology. At the heart of the work is a critical engagement with the Brazilian ecotheologian Leonardo Boff. Clair Linzey addresses ideas that originate from the papal encyclical Laudato Si’ and considers how Pope Francis is developing an animal friendly tradition within Catholicism. Exploring new vistas in animal theology, this volume makes a valuable to contribution to debates on how religion should be concerned with animals and the environment. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to know the current state of debate with animal theology and its effects on the wider Christian community.
Marriage is one of the most important decisions you will ever make in your life. This is a book aimed at helping the young person who is embarking upon the grand adventure of finding a life partner (although married couples will also find much of benefit in it). As with most things in life, there is a right way to go about this and a wrong way. But with the stakes so high, choosing the right person for the right reasons and establishing a solid and successful foundation for the relationship are crucial.Couples are encouraged to read this book together. It will take them through the process of preparing oneself for marriage, finding a life partner, working out whether he or she is the right one, enjoying an effective engagement period, and developing a sound and profound understanding of what marriage is all about, as a firm foundation for the lifelong adventure of marriage. Along the way, a number of issues are discussed, including: how to know that a decision is a good one; the beautiful meaning and symbolism of the ancient Orthodox rites of Betrothal and Marriage; difficult issues such as gender roles, abuse, intimacy, sexuality, contraception, and abortion; how couples can learn to understand one another and meet one another¿s needs; and the perilous danger and life-transforming beauty that is the mystery of marriage in the Orthodox Christian Faith. The approach taken is firmly based on both ancient Orthodox Christian principles and modern psychological principles, and is holistic and contemporary, seamlessly weaving together ancient wisdom and modern psychology into a single approach.
