How do we overcome polarization in American society? How do we advocate for justice when one side won't listen to the other and cycles of outrage escalate? These questions have been pressing for years, but the emergence of a vocal, virulent Christian nationalism have made it even more urgent that we find a way forward. In three brief, incisive chapters Pamela Cooper-White uncovers the troubling extent of Christian nationalism, explores its deep psychological roots, and discusses ways in which advocates for justice can safely and effectively attempt to talk across the deep divides in our society.
Christianity has been around for over two thousand years. So who’s right and wrong regarding Catholic or Protestant beliefs? What does the Bible say? We look at some of the issues: baptism and the correct way. Purgatory, is there such a place? The immortal soul, is it immortal after death? Who are saints? Are traditions equal to biblical scripture? Is the rapture just a story, or does it have another meaning or time? Finally, in The Religious Divide, we look at some differences between Catholicism, Protestantism, and the Bible—and come to a better understanding. If you have ever had these questions, this book is for you. In addition, this book includes references from where Catholicism takes its answers, the Vulgate Bible and the writings of men, where Protestantism gets its answers from the King James Version, and what does the Bible has to say on these subjects. Whether you’re curious or want to know, get your copy of The Religious Divide today. “The Religious Divide is one of the most informative books I have ever read when it comes to understanding the Bible and the differences and similarities between various denominations. The author explains a point, gives contrasting points, and then adds scriptures that make the ideas between them more understandable. I love that this author encourages you to find the truth in your heart while helping you figure out the pieces that can be somewhat confusing. I recommend ‘The Religious Divide’ to anyone who wants and needs a better understanding of what is found in the Bible, wants more clarity on what’s right, what may be considered wrong, and how to find their place in this world through the scriptures.” -Amy Raines, Reader’s Choice
Introduction -- Becoming active citizens -- Narratives of active citizenship -- Putting faith in action -- Holding government accountable -- Styles of active citizenship -- Conclusion
Promotes gracious interfaith dialogue on sensitive theological issues Theological issues are crucial to how Christians and Muslims understand and perceive each other. In Sacred Misinterpretation Martin Accad guides readers through key theological questions that fuel conflict and misunderstanding between Muslims and Christians. A sure-footed guide, he weaves personal stories together with deep discussion of theological beliefs. Accad identifies trends, recognizes historical realities, and brings to light significant points of contention that often lead to break-down in Christian-Muslim dialogue. He also outlines positive and creative trends that could lead to a more hopeful future. Fairly and seriously presenting both Muslim theology and a Muslim interpretation of Christian theology, Sacred Misinterpretation is an essential guide for fostering dialogue and understanding among readers from both faiths.
This volume introduces a unique comparative perspective to the complexities of gender relations in Muslim, Jewish, and Christian communities by examining women's property rights in different societies across the entire medieval and early modern Mediterranean.
The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution forbids the creation of an official state church, and we hear the phrase "separation of church and state" so frequently that it may surprise us to note that no such barrier exists between religion and politics. Religion is, and always has been, woven into the fabric of American political life. In the last two decades, however, the role of religion in politics has become more direct—almost a blunt, self-conscious force in the political process. The national consequences of this "diminishing divide" between religion and politics have brought new groups into politics, altered party coalitions, and influenced campaigns and election results. Churches and other religious institutions have become more actively engaged in the political process, and religious people have increased the level and broadened the range of their political participation. While the public is more accepting of the role of religion in shaping today's political landscape, the issue of how much political power certain religious groups enjoy continues to provoke concern.Drawing on extensive survey data from the Pew Research Center, the National Election Studies, and other sources, The Diminishing Divide illuminates the historical relationship between religion and politics in the United States and explores the ways in which religion will continue to alter the political landscape in the century before us. A historical overview of religion in U.S. politics sets the tone as the book examines the patchwork quilt of American religion and the changing role of religious institutions in American political life since the 1960s. The book explores the complex relations between religion and political attitudes, as well as that of religion and political behavior—particularly with respect to party affiliation and voting habits. Finally, The Diminishing Divide offers a look at the future. As candidates and elected officials increasingly air their personal faith in pub
While religious communities often stress the universal nature of their beliefs, it remains true that people choose to worship alongside those they identify with most easily. Multiethnic churches are rare in the United States, but as American attitudes toward diversity change, so too does the appeal of a church that offers diversity. Joining such a community, however, is uncomfortable-worshippers must literally cross the barriers of ethnic difference by entering the religious space of the ethnically "other." Through the story of one multiethnic congregation in Southern California, Kathleen Garces-Foley examines what it means to confront the challenges in forming a religious community across ethnic divisions and attracting a more varied membership.
Through a nationwide survey, the authors of this study conclude that US Evangelicals may actually be preserving the racial chasm, not through active racism, but because their theology hinders their ability to recognise systematic injustice.
“The extraordinary twists and turns of the spiritual journey of Elisheva Irma Diaz reflect and illumine the tumultuous era in which we live. The universally recognized border separating Judaism and Christianity is now a blur. Elisheva’s story shows that the insecurity that has ensued may also open us up to unimagined blessing.” — Rabbi Mark S. Kinzer, PhD, author of Jerusalem Crucified, Jerusalem Risen (2018), and Searching Her Own Mystery (2015) As powerfully quoted by Joseph Shulam in the foreword of this book, “There are medical books written by doctors who have researched, studied issues, and gained knowledge in their professional capacity. However, very few of these medical books were written by doctors who themselves have experienced the illness in their own bodies”. This author’s journey to reclaim her Sephardic Jewish heritage led her on an adventure that began in the early nineties with a full-time Christian ministry that eventually propelled her into a powerful ten-year insightful journey. She went from an ordained Pastor of Pastors with a successful ministry into Judaism and soon after her transition, enrolled herself in formal rabbinic studies and was ordained a Rabbi in 2012. Through this spiritual journey filled with intense study and spiritual experiences, she writes what some may think, but would most likely never say. She has further concluded without a shadow of a doubt that both Judaism and Christianity are broken but God has chosen to dwell in them both. She is quick to confess, “Christianity and Judaism broke my heart, yet, both Christianity and Judaism brought me closer to the knowledge of God”. Blessed be He!
