Presents a philosophy that unifies evolution and religion, discussing evolution as a divine process, how to use insights derived from evolution to improve spiritual life, and how to work for systemic change within this framework.
How did the universe begin? Can God's existence be proven? Do humans matter more than animals? For many years people have sent the scientist-turned-priest John Polkinghorne these and other questions about science and belief. In question-and-answer format, Polkinghorne and his collaborator Nicholas Beale offer their highly informed opinions about some of the most frequently asked of these questions. Readers can follow their own paths through the book, selecting questions that interest them and looking at the additional material if they choose. This unique book will help Christians clarify their beliefs regarding difficult issues and better face challenges--from within and from others--to their faith.
An informational and entertaining text, this work offers readers a deeper sense of why the saints and the honoring of them has been influential in the lives of Catholics and others who strive to follow Jesus Christ and experience his love. (Catholic)
In this book Giles Dimock answers some the most commonly asked questions about the Eucharist that have been posed to him in his preaching and teaching. He starts off with questions on the Jewish background of Eucharist and then examines the Last Supper and its theology in the light of the Paschal Mystery. Some of the other questions deal with transubstantiation, sacrifice, Real Presence, communion, and intercommunion. Fr. Dimock's answers are both practical and ecumenical. The questions range from the straightforward "Why is the Eucharist called Holy Communion," "What is Forty Hours," to the more involved "What is said about the Eucharist in the Code of Canon Law?" Father Dimock places the teaching of the Church on the Eucharist in conciliar and papal documentation. Here is a book, appropriately appearing at the culmination of the Year of the Eucharist, that will satisfy the spiritual as well as theological curiosity of college students and seminarians studying the Eucharist, as well as probing, informed lay people. +
Joseph Kelley has written a short, accessible, thorough introduction to, and overview of, Christian teaching on death, judgment, hell and heaven, called in theology the "four last things." Presented in the popular 101 Questions format, this book shows how these four topics, also referred to as "Christian eschatology," have their ancient roots in the sacred books of the Hebrew Scriptures, especially in the later writings known as apocalyptic literature. The New Testament receives and builds upon Jewish thought and piety, finding in Jesus Christ a new revelation about the meaning of death, the nature of judgment, and God's desire that all be saved and united through Christ in heaven. Kelley clearly presents the major theological ideas about the four last things that have emerged in Christian history, as well as the sacramental and pastoral practices surrounding death. Questions range from the simple What makes a cemetery Catholic? to Does the Church believe in reincarnation? to What do other religions say about judgment? and What does it mean to say that Jesus sits at God's right hand in heaven? This one-step guide to Catholic teaching on death, judgment, heaven, and hell is a one-of-a-kind book and will make informative, fascinating reading for high school, college, and graduate courses in theology, religion, psychology, social work, counseling, and ministry, especially death and dying courses. Also, adult education and parish study groups on death and dying as well as Christian support groups for bereavement. +
A highly regarded scientist’s examination of the battle between evolution and intelligent design, and its implications for how science is practiced in America.