What's the Least I Can Believe and Still be a Christian?
What's the Least I Can Believe and Still be a Christian?

Author: Martin Thielen

Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press

Published: 2013-01-01

Total Pages: 234

ISBN-13: 0664239382

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Pastor and author Martin Thielen has compiled a list of ten things people need to believe, and ten things they don't, in order to be a Christian. This lively and engaging book will be a help to seekers as well as a comfort to believers who may find themselves questioning some of the assumptions they grew up with. With an accessible, storytelling style that's grounded in solid biblical scholarship, Thielen shows how Christians don't need to believe that sinners will be "left behind" to burn in hell or that it's heresy to believe in evolution. And while we must always take the Bible seriously, we don't always have to take it literally. At the same time, Christians do need to believe in Jesus--his life, his teachings, his death and resurrection, and his vision for the world. A great benefit of those beliefs is that they provide promising answers to life's most profound questions, including: Where is God? What matters most? What brings fulfillment? What about suffering? Is there hope? Thielen articulates centrist, mainline Christianity in a way that's fresh and easy to understand, and offers authentic Christian insights that speak to our deepest needs. This new edition includes a leader's guide, previously only available online, and a new introduction from the author that reflects on the book's reception. The leader's guide features unique and easily implemented aids for carrying out a seven-week, congregation-wide initiative that will help local churches reach out to their communities. More information is available at thielen.wjkbooks.com.

What's the Least I Can Believe and Still Be a Christian? New Edition with Study Guide
What's the Least I Can Believe and Still Be a Christian? New Edition with Study Guide

Author: Martin Thielen

Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press

Published: 2013-02-13

Total Pages: 146

ISBN-13: 161164092X

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Pastor and author Martin Thielen has compiled a list of ten things people need to believe, and ten things they don't, in order to be a Christian. This lively and engaging book will be a help to seekers as well as a comfort to believers who may find themselves questioning some of the assumptions they grew up with. With an accessible, storytelling style that's grounded in solid biblical scholarship, Thielen shows how Christians don't need to believe that sinners will be "left behind" to burn in hell or that it's heresy to believe in evolution. And while we must always take the Bible seriously, we don't always have to take it literally. At the same time, Christians do need to believe in Jesus--his life, his teachings, his death and resurrection, and his vision for the world. A great benefit of those beliefs is that they provide promising answers to life's most profound questions, including: Where is God? What matters most? What brings fulfillment? What about suffering? Is there hope? Thielen articulates centrist, mainline Christianity in a way that's fresh and easy to understand, and offers authentic Christian insights that speak to our deepest needs. This new edition includes a leader's guide, previously only available online, and a new introduction from the author that reflects on the book's reception. The leader's guide features unique and easily implemented aids for carrying out a seven-week, congregation-wide initiative that will help local churches reach out to their communities. More information is available at thielen.wjkbooks.com.

The Answer to Bad Religion Is Not No Religion- -Leader's Guide
The Answer to Bad Religion Is Not No Religion- -Leader's Guide

Author: Martin Thielen

Publisher: Presbyterian Publishing Corp

Published: 2014-02-19

Total Pages: 64

ISBN-13: 1611643759

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In an effort to help those who've been hurt by or turned off by negative religion, Martin Thielen explains that there is an alternative to abandoning religion: good religion. Perfect for group study, the leader's guide provides everything needed to facilitate sessions and provide options based on the time and style of each group.

The Answer to Bad Religion Is Not No Religion
The Answer to Bad Religion Is Not No Religion

Author: Martin Thielen

Publisher: Presbyterian Publishing Corp

Published: 2014-02-14

Total Pages: 160

ISBN-13: 1611643740

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If you think the only logical response to bad Christianity is to leave Christianity completely, this book is for you. In an effort to help those who've been hurt by or turned off by negative religion, Martin Thielen explains that there is an alternative to abandoning religion: good religion. Thielen uses personal stories to illustrate the dangers of religion that is judgmental, anti-intellectual, and legalistic. While addressing the growth of the new atheism movement and the "Nones" (people that have no religious affiliation), this book argues that leaving religion is not practical, not helpful, and not necessary. Thielen provides counterparts to the characteristics of bad religion, explaining that good religion is grace-filled, promotes love and forgiveness, and is inclusive and hope-filled. Perfect for individual, group, or congregational study, a Leader's Guide and a Worship and Outreach Kit are also available to further the discussion and increase community involvement.

Searching for Happiness
Searching for Happiness

Author: Martin Thielen

Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press

Published: 2016-02-04

Total Pages: 179

ISBN-13: 1611646375

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The key to happiness is being rich, successful, and beautiful…right? Martin Thielen, best-selling author of What's the Least I Can Believe and Still Be a Christian?, insists that this is far from the truth. Happiness, Thielen argues, does not come from external factors like getting a job promotion or finally reaching your goal weight. Rather, happiness is an inside job. In brief, easy-to-read chapters, Thielen offers ten traits of happy and fulfilled people. Using psychological research, personal anecdotes, and Scripture, Thielen begins the path to contentment by showing how life circumstances—including income, health, physical appearance, and marital status—only account for about 10 percent of a person's overall life satisfaction. From there, he offers alternatives to the frequent methods we use to make ourselves happy. Instead of aiming to make more money, Thielen contends that expressing gratitude and cultivating optimism are surer paths to joy. Rather than focusing on constant advancement in our careers, let's practice our ability to forgive, to be generous, and to use trials as growth opportunities. These lessons, and much more, help readers who may be dissatisfied in their lives see that authentic contentment is closer than they ever imagined. The book features a guide for group or individual study, which includes questions for reflection and a challenge for each individual to reflect on during the week.

Big Jesus
Big Jesus

Author: Jimmy R. Watson

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2015-01-12

Total Pages: 167

ISBN-13: 1498200494

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This may be the most honest book ever written about Jesus. As a veteran pastor in the United Church of Christ, Dr. Watson shares his thoughts on the timeless topic of Christology--the doctrine of Christ--with new and creative insights, informative and accessible theology, personal anecdotes, and lively wit. Nothing is off-limits in this no-holds-barred contribution to the Jesus genre. Big Jesus is not another theological "spin" on the identity and nature of Jesus of Nazareth, nor is it a sentimental fairytale for those who prefer their Christology to be served up on Sunday mornings with fluffy sheep, little children, and footprints in the sand. This book is for Christian adults with a sense of humor.

Living in God's Best
Living in God's Best

Author: Andrew Wommack

Publisher: Destiny Image Publishers

Published: 2018-05-15

Total Pages: 212

ISBN-13: 1680311395

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Divine health and prosperity are better than divine healing and provision. If you live in divine health and prosperity, you wont need a miracle to get healed or to pay your bills. If you cant see the difference between the two, that may be one reason you only visit Gods best instead of truly living in it. Most Christians live in a place where...

SCM Studyguide: Christian Doctrine
SCM Studyguide: Christian Doctrine

Author: Astley Jeff

Publisher: SCM Press

Published: 2015-04-21

Total Pages: 257

ISBN-13: 0334048001

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An accessible textbook for all engaging with Christian doctrine for the first time. A valuable resource and suitable for all clergy and all training for ministry.

Tactics Study Guide, Updated and Expanded
Tactics Study Guide, Updated and Expanded

Author: Gregory Koukl

Publisher: Zondervan

Published: 2020-08-18

Total Pages: 176

ISBN-13: 031011974X

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In a world increasingly indifferent to Christian truth, followers of Christ need to be equipped to communicate with those who do not speak their language or accept their source of authority. In this updated and expanded study guide, apologist and radio host Gregory Koukl demonstrates how to get in the driver's seat in discussions about faith, keeping any conversation moving with thoughtful, artful tact. Readers will learn how to maneuver comfortably and graciously through potential minefields, stop challengers in their tracks, turn the tables, and--most importantly--get people thinking about Jesus with conversations that look more like diplomacy than D-Day. Drawing on extensive experience defending Christianity in the public square, Koukl demonstrates how to: Initiate conversations effortlessly Present the truth clearly, cleverly, and persuasively Graciously and effectively expose faulty thinking Skillfully manage the details of dialogue Maintain an engaging, disarming style even under attack Designed to be used alongside the updated and expanded Tactics Video Study, this study guide provides a game plan for communicating the compelling truth about Christianity with confidence and grace.

Christian Believer Study Manual
Christian Believer Study Manual

Author: Dr. J. Ellsworth Kalas

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Published: 2010-09-01

Total Pages: 483

ISBN-13: 1426727763

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The study manual guides daily reading in Scripture and in the Book of Readings. It encourages daily prayer while providing space for taking notes for use in weekly group discussion. Each lesson includes an explanation and commentary on the doctrines being studied, raises questions for reader reflection and written response, and suggests ideas for additional reading and study. The Christian Believer program focuses on classical teachings of the Christian faith—presenting, explaining, and interpreting them in a way that participants can understand, through the use of words, symbols, and hymns. Over a 30-week period, participants will examine the writings of ancient and modern Christian commentators and view video presentations by leading Bible scholars.