Easter for Progressive Christians

Easter for Progressive Christians

Author: Donald Schmidt

Publisher: Wood Lake Publishing Inc.

Published: 2020-01-10

Total Pages: 77

ISBN-13: 1773432826

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So what really happened that first Easter Sunday? The simple answer is that no one knows… only a problem if one is trying to prove that each of the stories is factually accurate. If we suspend that attempt for a moment and read the Easter stories in the gospels for what they are – profound statements of faith – we may discover something much more powerful and lasting… Few stories in the entire pantheon of literature evoke as much emotion as the gospel accounts of the resurrection of Jesus. For many Christians, these are the quintessential texts, the ones that define Christianity, their personal faith, and the whole of human existence. That’s a lot to put onto a few simple stories! When using this study, therefore, it will be helpful to have a sense of where participants are coming from. Are they a mixed group with ideas that are all over the theological map? Do they tend to approach the stories as metaphor and take the stance that the resurrection could not possibly have happened? Do they take it literally and believe that things must have happened exactly as they are recorded? Do they feel that there is some point to reading these stories, even though they leave us with more questions than answers? People’s ideas may differ – slightly or greatly – and that’s okay. The point of doing this study is not so that everyone comes out with the same belief, nor is it to convince anyone, at any time, that they must believe one thing or another. The purpose of this study is to explore these powerful faith stories so that they might in turn inform and enhance our daily living.


Mama Bear ApologeticsTM

Mama Bear ApologeticsTM

Author: Hillary Morgan Ferrer

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

Published: 2019-06-04

Total Pages: 290

ISBN-13: 0736976167

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*Foreword written by Nancy Pearcey* "Parents are the most important apologists our kids will ever know. Mama Bear Apologetics will help you navigate your kids’ questions and prepare them to become committed Christ followers.” —J. Warner Wallace "If every Christian mom would apply this book in her parenting, it would profoundly transform the next generation." —Natasha Crain #RoarLikeAMother The problem with lies is they don’t often sound like lies. They seem harmless, and even sound right. So what’s a Mama Bear to do when her kids seem to be absorbing the culture’s lies uncritically? Mama Bear Apologetics™ is the book you’ve been looking for. This mom-to-mom guide will equip you to teach your kids how to form their own biblical beliefs about what is true and what is false. Through transparent life stories and clear, practical applications—including prayer strategies—this band of Mama Bears offers you tools to train yourself, so you can turn around and train your kids. Are you ready to answer the rallying cry, “Mess with our kids and we will demolish your arguments”? Join the Mama Bears and raise your voice to protect your kids—by teaching them how to think through and address the issues head-on, yet with gentleness and respect.


Speaking Christian

Speaking Christian

Author: Marcus J. Borg

Publisher: Harper Collins

Published: 2011-04-12

Total Pages: 236

ISBN-13: 0062078682

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In Speaking Christian, acclaimed Bible scholar Marcus Borg, author of Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, argues that the very language Christians use has become dangerously distilled, distorted, and disconnected from the beliefs which once underpinned it. Stating a case that will resonate with readers of N. T. Wright’s Simply Christian, Borg calls for a radical change to the language we use to invoke our beliefs—the only remedy that will allow the Church's words to once again ring with truth, power, and hope.


The Easter Story

The Easter Story

Author: Antonia Jackson

Publisher: Lion Hudson

Published: 2015

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780745965086

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A beautifully illustrated book that recounts the story of the first Easter from Jesus' entry into Jerusalem to the resurrection, and emphasizes the message at its heart--that of God's everlasting love This retelling of the Easter story is both clear and detailed, explaining fully the message of God's love in a way that children will be able to easily understand. The book follows this important episode from Jesus' entry into Jerusalem right through to the resurrection. Giuliano Ferri's illustrations are peaceful, gentle, and elegant, making this a sophisticated picture story book for older children.


My Little Easter Story

My Little Easter Story

Author: Christina Goodings

Publisher: Lion Children's Bks

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780745969275

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An appealing, small format book to introduce children to the Easter story. The retelling is very simple and straightforward, easy to understand and remember.


Creation for Progressive Christians

Creation for Progressive Christians

Author: Donald Schmidt

Publisher: Wood Lake Publishing Inc.

Published: 2020-06-23

Total Pages: 71

ISBN-13: 177343392X

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Behind all the creation stories there is a basic assumption that God was involved; the “how” of it was a secondary concern to the original writers. The publication of this study guide is timely given the current conversations and warnings around the health of creation and climate change. One can easily find – online, in magazines, or on television – images of animals that cannot find food; dry areas that used to be lakes and rivers; floods beyond belief; and places such as Tuvalu, where palm trees now grow underwater because the ocean level has risen. Clearly, climate change is real and impacting people around the globe. The question, therefore, is not “Does it exist?” or even “Is this thing human caused or the natural cycle of things?” but rather, “What do we do to slow it down and enhance life for all species?” Although it is not a book about climate change but rather an exploration of five biblical creation stories, this study can help progressive Christians engage these questions. Understanding the biblical creation stories can help us see creation as a delicate balance, and our role in it as stewards. As people of faith, it is incumbent on us to understand our relationship with every facet of the divine, which is clearly present in the world and everything around us. The question behind this book is this: What did our ancient ancestors want us to understand about the creation of the universe, the divine presence in that creation, and how we might live our lives in response to that?


The Beatitudes for Progressive Christians

The Beatitudes for Progressive Christians

Author: Donald Schmidt

Publisher: Wood Lake Publishing Inc.

Published: 2020-07-27

Total Pages: 88

ISBN-13: 1773430386

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Let's admit it. We live in a complicated world where things are a bit crazy - and not in a good way. A global pandemic, wars, racial strife, wealth disparity, death and destruction; we are all affected by these things one way or another, even if only through the media. And we all suffer because of them - sometimes directly and physically; usually emotionally; and often spiritually, though we may not always recognize it. Some of us suffer more than others, of course, particularly those of us who are or have been touched directly by tragedy or trauma. It's enough, sometimes, to make you question your faith. It's enough, sometimes, to make you wonder if you're cursed. "Not so!" says Jesus. Not only are we not cursed, it is in these painful extremes we are the most blessed. With genuine pastoral sensitivity, Schmidt says, "The Beatitudes tell us that we can find and experience God's presence in difficult times. We can know ours lives are expressions of divine love when we seek to bring about peace and justice in our world. We can find comfort when we are grieving and hurting. And all those times when people put us down for our adherence to living the gospel, we can feel assured that - despite ridicule - we are on the right path."


Foreshadows

Foreshadows

Author: Steve Miller

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

Published: 2022-05-10

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 0736984844

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"This book helps us to interpret current events in the light of biblical prophecy, reminding us that whether the return of Christ is near or far, the stage is being set for His arrival. Are we ready?" —Erwin W. Lutzer, bestselling author In Matthew 24, after Jesus gave His disciples a profound, detailed description of what will happen prior to His second coming, He urged them to “keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (verse 42). So as we seek to follow His commands today, what are we to watch for? Foreshadows explores 12 major trends that point toward Jesus’ ever-nearing return—and that illuminate how God’s faithfulness, wisdom, and sovereignty are on display all around us. As you read, you will… identify occurrences in today’s world that align with specific end-times prophecies outlined in the Bible discover how to walk “not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16) grow in your trust and reverence of God, looking with confidence and wonder toward the future He has promised to those who are His children Foreshadows will equip you to recognize the signs pointing to the end times while inspiring you to take hope in the knowledge God holds our chaotic world firmly within His control. Behind the scenes, He is at work—setting the stage for Christ’s return and the glorious eternity that will follow!


#UsToo

#UsToo

Author: Keren R. McGinity

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2023-07-31

Total Pages: 157

ISBN-13: 100091805X

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#UsToo: How Jewish, Muslim, and Christian Women Changed Our Communities examines the relationship between sexual harassment, gender, and multiple religions, highlighting the voices of women of different faiths who found their voices and used them for the betterment of their communities. Through personal interviews and other research, this book explores the actions of American Jewish, Muslim, and Christian women who broke the silence about sexual misconduct and abuse of power by male co-religionists. Using a three-dimensional, ethnoreligious approach that examines gender, ethnicity, and religion, it addresses the relationship between religion and women’s experiences and examines both historical contexts and present-day experiences of sexual misconduct within faith communities. This book will be of key interest to students within Gender Studies, History, Religion, and Sociology, clergy and lay religious leaders, and human rights advocates.