Does it make sense to speak of the "mind of God"? Are humans unique? Do we have souls?Our growing explorations of the cognitive sciences pose significant challenges to and opportunities for theological reflection. Gregory Peterson introduces these sciences -- neuroscience, artificial intelligence, animal cognition, linguistics, and psychology -- that specifically contribute to the new picture and their philosophical underpinnings. He shows its implications for rethinking longstanding Western assumptions about the unity of the self, the nature of consciousness, free will, inherited sin, and religious experience. Such findings also illumine our understanding of God's own mind, the God-world relationship, new notion of divine design, and the implications of a universe of evolving minds.Peterson is gifted at explaining scientific concepts and drawing their implications for religious belief and theology. His work demonstrates how new work in cognitive sciences upends and reconfigures many popular assumptions about human uniqueness, mind-body relationship, and how we speak of divine and human intelligence.
Pastors, leaders of Christian organizations and lay persons will find an invaluable guide and spiritual wisdom in this book. Focusing primarily on the what rather than the how of managing Christian organizations, Ray Anderson clearly presents a biblical and theological basis for understanding the unique characteristics of Christian organizations and what it means to manage such organizations in a Christian way. Anderson emphasizes the role of leadership for Pastors and those who manage Christian organizations, providing helpful teaching on issues such as strategic planning, the development of mission statements as a definition of the organization's goals, and what it means to use biblical principles, prayer, and dependence on the Holy Spirit in carrying out the organization's goals. "There is an increasing interest in---and concern for---how `Christian' organizations (and churches) are managed in today's complex society. Ray Anderson has made a careful study of this Christian organizational problem and helps us all to better understand the biblical stance related to an issue which affects so many of us. Here is timely help, a theological perspective, and practical applications. The author gives us an effective refreshing, creative approach to `Minding God's Business'."---Ted W. Engstrom, President, World Vision "After several decades of leadership theory and practice without much theology, often leading to ruthless pragmatism on one hand or ineffective mysticism on the other, Ray Anderson has stepped in and done what he does best. He teaches us that Minding God's Business is most effective when it simultaneously pays attention to the Spirit and to the organization with no nutty, false dualisms. If reading `how to' books on leadership and management are leaving you wanting more, and if theological works make you say `What do we do now?', pick up Minding God's Business. You'll get the whole picture."---Todd Hunter, Founder and President, Society for Kingdom Living, Author. Christianity Beyond Belief "Ray Anderson merges the `secular' concepts of accountability, competence and excellence with the `spiritual' concept of the calling of God to the secular workplace, erasing the lines we often draw between the two. As a leader in both the secular and para-church environments, I have striven to operate with one standard---God's good, pleasing and perfect will'. Ray ties it all together in a theological context that will help us `get it right.'"---Craig W. Olson, CEO, Fresh Start Bakeries, Chairman, Concordia University Irvine, CA Board of Regents
Pastors, leaders of Christian organizations, and lay persons will find an invaluable guide and spiritual wisdom in this book. Focusing primarily on the what rather than the how of managing Christian organizations, Ray Anderson clearly presents a biblical and theological basis for understanding the unique characteristics of Christian organizations and what it means to manage such organizations in a Christian way. Anderson emphasizes the role of leadership for pastors and those who manage Christian organizations, providing helpful teaching on issues such as strategic planning, the development of mission statements as a definition of the organization's goals, and what it means to use biblical principles, prayer, and dependence on the Holy Spirit in carrying out the organization's goals.
The heart is the most important biblical term for the person's nature and actions. Indeed, the heart is the control center of life. It is the very place where God works to change us. But how does this growth take place? How are Christians to discover the steadfast spirit of David's psalm? In Minding the Heart, Robert L. Saucy offers insightful instruction on what spiritual transformation is and how to achieve it. He shows how renewing one's mind through meditation, action, and community can begin the process of change, but ultimately the final change—the change that brings abundant life—can only come through a vital relationship with God. "The renewing of the heart is an inescapable human need," writes Saucy, "but the solution lies only within the realm of the divine." Drawing from inspiring Bible passages as well as selected scientific studies, Saucy demonstrates how to make lasting change so Christians can finally achieve the joys of becoming more like Christ.
The Battlefield of the Mind Bible will help readers connect the truths of Joyce Meyer's all-time bestselling book, Battlefield of the Mind, to the Bible, and change their lives by changing their thinking. Worry, doubt, confusion, depression, anger, and feelings of condemnation. . .all these are attacks on the mind. If you struggle with negative thoughts, take heart! The Battlefield of the Mind Bible will help you win these all-important battles through clear, practical application of God's Word to your life. With notes, commentary, and previously unpublished insights by Joyce Meyer, this Bible is packed with features specifically designed for helping you deal with thousands of thoughts you have every day and focus your mind to think the way God thinks. Special Features Include: BOOK INTRODUCTIONS -- thoughts on the importance of each book and how it relates to the battlefield of the mind WINNING THE BATTLES OF THE MIND -- core teaching to help you apply specific biblical truths to winning the battle PRAYERS FOR VICTORY -- Scripture-based prayer to help you claim God's guarantee of winning PRAYERS TO RENEW YOUR MIND -- help for you to learn to think the way God thinks KEYS TO A VICTORIOUS LIFE -- practical truths for overcoming mental or emotional challenges POWER POINTS -- insight into how to think, speak, and live victoriously SPEAK GOD'S WORD-first-person Scripture confessions to train your mind for ultimate victory SCRIPTURES ON THOUGHTS AND WORDS -- more than 200 Bible passages that teach you how to think and speak in agreement with God's Word.
Six long years ago, Captain Reynolds Macy sailed away from his bride, looking forward to the day when he would return to Nantucket Island with a ship's hold full of whale oil. But when that momentous day finally arrives, Ren soon discovers that everything has changed in his absence. Everything. "Is nothing on this island as it appears to be?" he whispers in despair. Unlike most islanders, bold and spirited Daphne Coffin doesn't defer to Ren as an authoritative whalemaster, but sees through his aloofness to the aching heart beneath. She encourages him to return to his Quaker roots and "mind the Light," finding solace in God and community. As Ren becomes the man she believes him to be--honorable, wise, faithful--she finds herself falling in love with him. But how can she, when her heart is spoken for? Tristram Macy is Ren's business partner, cousin, and best friend--and Daphne's fiancé. Love always comes at a cost, but when is the price too high? Suzanne Woods Fisher welcomes readers back to the Quaker community on Nantucket Island for this riveting love story, full of unexpected moments.
This book of poems has been written over a course of time in my life, and it expresses my thoughts as I have traveled along the path which God has led me. I have tried to write about the good times and the bad times as I have experienced them. I have also tried to include the up and down periods of my life, the experiences Ive had, some of the people Ive met and the friends Ive made as I have taken my journey across time. I hope through these poems you will see how your own thoughts sometimes were much like mine except you didnt put your thoughts into words. I hope these poems inspire you in a way that they will touch your heart and draw you closer to God.
"Pope Gregory XVII has spent a lifetime quietly serving the Church he loves-until he announces a prophecy so alarming that it threatens to tear the Vatican apart. Terrified, the Vatican cardinals imprison him in a monastery. Is he mad, as they believe, or is it all an elaborate plot? An old friend of the pope sets out on a risky quest to find out. On the way, he discovers the power of love and faith, while terrorists and politicians use every deadly and unholy means to stop him. The Clowns of God spent twenty-two weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, and is the second novel in Morris West's Vatican trilogy. West is a skillful storyteller who knows how to build suspense into every twist of the plot. The Christian Science Monitor An engrossing tale that keeps you reading impatiently all the way through. Goodreads review"
