By building on his view of Jesus first developed in Parables as Subversive Speech, William Herzog II argues that Jesus is intensely interested in the social, political, and economic well-being of humanity. He examines the conflict stories, exorcisms/healings, and the passion narrative to develop his thesis and, in the final chapter, he interprets the resurrection in light of this viewpoint.
An epic tale of Christ and his world! Before there was Scripture,there were memories... 70 AD. After years of fierce struggle, the Roman army has recaptured the Holy Land from radical Judean insurgents. Only Jerusalem with its mighty temple is the last bastion of resistance against the Empire. The young priest Yosef has sided with Rome and is now desperately trying to negotiate an end to the bloodshed. But one night, a stranger appears: Shimon, an old man from Galilee. He claims to be a disciple of "Lord Yeshua"--the crucified magician whom some believe to be the Messiah.Yosef is captivated by what Shimon reveals. How, many years ago, he met the legendary preacher Yochanan the Baptist at the Jordan. How they stood up against prince Herod and the powerful temple elites. And how his life changed through that mysterious man from Nazareth, Yeshua... Does this story hold the key to saving the Jewish nation from doom? And will it save old Shimon from death on the cross? Friendship, zeal and sacrifice...This is how Christianity began Take a deep dive into history and rediscover the true spirit of the Gospel. From the war-torn streets of Jerusalem to the wilderness of the Jordan river... The Reign of God takes you to a dangerous ancient land where priests, prophets, and kings struggle for divine authority. A land soaked in revolution, poetry and people's hunger for justice. This stunning vision of the Bible comes to life with detailed ink drawings and their expressive shadow and light. Loaded with a dense atmosphere, passionate characters and careful historical research, this graphic novel digs into faith questions that other "Bible comics" won't touch today. Japanese-German artist Issey Fujishima delivers an emotional drama--not with superheroes, but with a broken boy's search for family and healing. Until the last page, The Reign of God will inspire and challenge believers and non-believers alike. - 190 pages (black and white) - 6 pages of notes and historical background about ancient Judaism and the early church - Recommended from age 14 - The first part of a new series based on the New Testament Find out more under: www.thereignofgod.com
What is social justice and is it even in the Bible?Christians seem to ask this question all the time, yet still are confused and divided over the answers they come up with. What would God say about social justice as we know it today? This book answers those questions and much more.God Loves Justice is a practical guide to understanding biblical social justice. As an introductory and user-friendly source, it explores biblical justice, using what God loves as its foundation. Fun, approachable, and conversational -- this guide is meant to help you better understand justice, righteousness, and the Bible overall.Some additional topics covered, include: *What righteousness and justice mean, according to the Bible *What justice and righteousness looked like in the lives of individuals in the Bible*How justice connects to love, grace, mercy, and compassion*Why it's challenging for Christians to see justice in the New Testament*How Jesus is the foundation of our justice and righteousness *How justice and righteousness are integrated into the Kingdom of God*How to practically express justice and righteousness through your lifeAnchored in biblical truth, this Christ-centered resource is tool for connecting your faith to justice and for knowing God's love.
Herzog has written an introduction for seminary and college students to the discussion about the historical Jesus. He reports on the findings of the Jesus Seminar and also traces other scholarly work in Jesus studies, but with an eye to the theological.
Rethinking Ministry to the Poor The urban landscape is changing and, as a result, urban ministries are at a crossroads. If the Church is to be an effective agent of compassion and justice, we must change our mission strategies. In this compelling book, Lupton asks tough questions about service providing and community building to help us enhance our effectiveness. Among the questions; What dilemmas do caring people encounter to faithfully carry out the teachings of Scripture and become personally involved with the least of these? What are some possible alternatives to the ways we have traditionally attempted to care for the poor? How do people, programs and neighborhoods move toward reciprocal, interdependent relationships? To effect these types of changes will require new skill sets and resources, but the possibilities for good are great.
William Herzog shows that the focus of the parables was not on a vision of the glory of the reign of God but on the gory details of the way oppression served the interests of the ruling class. The parables were a form of social analysis, as well as a form of theological reflection. Herzog scrutinizes their canonical form to show the distinction between its purpose for Jesus and for evangelists. To do this, he uses the tools of historical criticism, including form criticism and redaction criticism.
World-renowned Jesus scholar Marcus J. Borg shows how we can live passionately as Christians in today's world by practicing the vital elements of Christian faith. For the millions of people who have turned away from many traditional beliefs about God, Jesus, and the Bible, but still long for a relevant, nourishing faith, Borg shows why the Christian life can remain a transforming relationship with God. Emphasizing the critical role of daily practice in living the Christian life, he explores how prayer, worship, Sabbath, pilgrimage, and more can be experienced as authentically life-giving practices. Borg reclaims terms and ideas once thought to be the sole province of evangelicals and fundamentalists: he shows that terms such as "born again" have real meaning for all Christians; that the "Kingdom of God" is not a bulwark against secularism but is a means of transforming society into a world that values justice and love; and that the Christian life is essentially about opening one's heart to God and to others.
N.T. Wright explores all aspects of evil and how it presents itself in society today. Fully grounded in the story of the Old and New Testaments, this presentation is provocative and hopeful; a fascinating analysis of and response to the fundamental question of evil and justice that faces believers.
Jesus the Rebel explores the radical life and teaching of Jesus of Nazareth and shows how his witness speaks directly to our own contemporary world of violence, war, poverty, and nuclear weaponry. As John Dear ponders Jesus' call to discipleship, he shares his own journey of Gospel peacemaking. In jails, soup kitchens, shelters, and warzones, Jesus the bearer of God's Peace and Justice is reborn and invites us to be transformed in our homes, workplaces, churches, communities, and hearts.
Jesus commissioned every believer to be an Agent of Justice with access to a heavenly court for the purpose of extending His Kingdom. Men like Mordecai Hamm, who won Billy Graham to Christ, understood this and confronted the evil of their generation with signs and wonders of God's justice in manifestation. This teaching restores the boldness of the early church by once again possessing the foundation stones comprising the Doctrine of Christ in Acts 13 that blinded a false prophet and opened a region to the gospel. This book empowers the church to represent Jesus as King in a hostile culture!
