When tyrants come to power and Christians remain silent, the church betrays its prophetic role in the public sphere. Far from withdrawing from social-political engagement, Christians must grow in boldness as they embody a just, righteous, and godly love for their country and its people. In this collection of essays, Filipino evangelical theologians challenge the church’s complacency in the face of oppressive regimes. Addressing the specific realities of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, they draw on biblical studies, political theology, and ethics to provide a biblical and theological framework for Christians seeking to resist injustice in both the Philippines and beyond. Faith and Bayan is an excellent resource for students and leaders seeking an Asian evangelical perspective on Christian political engagement. It not only offers intellectual insight on the topic, but empowers its readers to fulfill a prophetic calling — to uphold democracy, peace, and human dignity.
Its History and Teaching This book is a breath of fresh air. There are millions of adherents to the Bahai Faith. Mr. Miller provides insight and primary sources giving the reader information about the history of the Baha'i Faith. Where the official and authorized Baha'i histories are sanitized and revised. Mr. Miller, who lived for years in Iran and fluent in Parsi, provides access to the westerner into events occurring during the early years of this world religion. The reader learns about the initial prophetic voices of the Bab and Baha'u'llah and the followers that founded the Bahai Faith after their deaths. The author explains the transformational shifts and unbelievable history of the Baha'is. Why did the early writings appear to be create a "society" or "philosophy" and later suddenly the community was touted as a "world religion"? Why are there are 7 Baha'i sects? Each exodus occurring when internal power struggles resulted in a few achieving greater control. Why do Baha'is work so hard to control their memberships contActs and reading material? Why do Baha'is shun those who leave, considering anyone not fully supportive of the Baha'i religion "spiritual poison?" After reading this book it should be clear to the reader. Due to the historical accuracy of the book's fActs and the author's position as a Protestant Missionary to an Islamic country, not all readers will be satisfied. Some will be offended those most likely the adherents who don't want the truth to come to light. Some will be offended because the author was a Protestant Missionary. Nevertheless, any serious student of world religions will be grateful to have his contributions on record to the history of the Baha'is.
How often have you seen a friend and been greeted with “How are you?” Almost always our automatic response is “Fine thank you” regardless of whether it’s true. We proclaim in church services that “God is good all the time . . . All the time God is good,” but there are often times when we feel that life is just unfair and ask God, “Why?” The uplifting songs and victorious testimonies of our church gatherings are frequently difficult to identify within the midst of the suffering and hardship of people’s daily lives, yet there is all too often no room for our “not-OK” experiences in our Christian communities. This is especially true for pastors and leaders who are required to always be strong and OK all the time. But the songs of lament in the Psalms paint a very different picture of understanding life and how human beings express themselves to God. Dr Rico Villanueva uses these Scriptures to teach us that in the presence of God, there is room to be “not-OK” and that our negative experiences don’t have to be ignored. This book challenges us to confront our struggles and questions instead of denying them. Most importantly, the author invites us to bring all of ourselves into the presence of God and the community of faith. For it is through our experiences and sharing them with God and his church that we grow in intimacy with God and our relationships with one another.
The Complete Call to the Heaven of the Bayan is a collection of the writings of August Stenstrand, one of the West's first followers of Subh-i Azal, the rightful successor to one the 19th centuries most profound religious figures: Sayyid Ali Muhammad the Bab. Stenstrand sets about to prove the legitimacy of Subh-i Azal's position and establish the precariousness of BahaUllah's? claims to the contrary.
Co-published with the Association for Bahá’í Studies In 1844 a charismatic young Persian merchant from Shiraz, known as the Báb, electrified the Shí‘ih world by claiming to be the return of the Hidden Twelfth Imam of Islamic prophecy. But contrary to traditional expectations of apocalyptic holy war, the Báb maintained that the spiritual path was not one of force and coercion but love and compassion. The movement he founded was the precursor of the Bahá’í Faith, but until now the Báb’s own voluminous writings have been seldom studied and often misunderstood. Gate of the Heart offers the first in-depth introduction to the writings of the Báb. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the author examines the Báb’s major works in multifaceted context, explaining the unique theological system, mystical world view, and interpretive principles they embody as well as the rhetorical and symbolic uses of language through which the Báb radically transforms traditional concepts. Arguing that the Bábí movement went far beyond an attempt at an Islamic Reformation, the author explores controversial issues and offers conclusions that will compel a re-evaluation of some prevalent assumptions about the Báb’s station, claims, and laws. Nader Saiedi’s meticulous and insightful analysis identifies the key themes, terms, and concepts that characterize each stage of the Báb’s writings, unlocking the code of the Báb’s mystical lexicon. Gate of the Heart is a subtle and profound textual study and an essential resource for anyone wishing to understand the theological foundations of the Bahá’í religion and the Báb’s significance in religious history.
The sacred-secular divide continues to threaten the health of the global church, disempowering lay Christians and undermining the call to integrate all aspects of life under the lordship of Christ. Theological educators seeking a path out of this dichotomy will find themselves both challenged and encouraged by this collection of essays drawn from the 2018 ICETE conference in Panama City. Within its four sections, contributors explore biblical frameworks for integration, urge seminaries to value identity formation as much as skill acquirement, call for a robust theology of work, and challenge theologians to consider their responsibility to the world beyond the church’s borders. Filled with thought-provoking questions and practical suggestions, this book is an excellent resource for all those pursuing a holistic approach to theological education.
Introduction: Calling in San Francisco -- Resurrecting Christian faith -- Praying, then delivering miracles -- Gathering souls with food -- Converting bowling to civic involvement -- Blessing passion and revolution -- Reconciling old and young spirits -- Conclusion: Embracing new bonds and bridges.
In 1952, there were probably fewer than 200 Baha'is in all of Africa. Today the Baha'i community claims one million followers on the continent. Yet, the Baha'i presence in Africa has been all but ignored in academic studies up to now. This is the first monograph that addresses the establishment of this New Religious Movement in Africa. Discovering an African presence at the genesis of the religon in Iran, this study seeks to explain why the movement found an appeal in colonial Africa during the 1950s and early 1960. It also explores how the Baha'i faith was influenced and Africanized by its new converts. Finally, the book seeks to make sense of the diverse and contradictory American, Iranian, British, and African elements that established a new religion in Africa.
"United in Faith" offers an insightful exploration into the rich and diverse history of Islam across the 50 United States. This book documents the growth, struggles, and achievements of the Muslim community in America, highlighting their contributions to the nation's cultural, social, and religious fabric. From the early waves of Muslim immigration to the present day, this comprehensive account traces the evolution of Islam in America, shedding light on the challenges faced by Muslims as they sought to establish their identity and practice their faith in a new land. It delves into the experiences of pioneering Muslim individuals and communities, as well as the efforts made to establish mosques, Islamic centers, and educational institutions throughout the country. The book presents a chronological narrative, starting with the earliest Muslim arrivals in the 17th and 18th centuries, such as enslaved Africans who brought their Islamic faith with them. It then explores the contributions of Muslim immigrants from various parts of the world, including the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia, who played pivotal roles in shaping the Muslim American community. Readers will discover the significant role Islamic institutions played in fostering a sense of community, providing religious and social services, and promoting interfaith dialogue. The book also examines the challenges faced by Muslim Americans in the wake of major events such as the Civil Rights Movement, and the tragic events of September 11, 2001, which led to an increase in Islamophobia. "United in Faith" highlights the resilience and determination of Muslim Americans in overcoming adversity and striving for social justice, civil rights, and religious freedom. It showcases the rise of prominent Muslim figures across various fields, including academia, politics, sports, entertainment, and activism, who have made significant contributions to American society. Through engaging storytelling, well-researched historical accounts, and personal narratives, this book paints a vivid picture of the complex tapestry of Islam in America. It aims to foster a deeper understanding, appreciation, and acceptance of the Muslim American experience, emphasizing the shared values that underpin the diverse fabric of the United States. "United in Faith" is an essential read for anyone seeking to broaden their knowledge of American history, religious diversity, and the resilience of the Muslim American community as they continue to shape the nation's future.”
