Disarming Scripture

Disarming Scripture PDF Author: Derek Flood
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780692307267
Category : Bible
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
A GOD OF LOVE AND GENOCIDE? For many Christians the problem of violence in Scripture can result in a crisis of faith--especially when we see how such passages have been used throughout history to justify horrific bloodshed in God's name. Moving beyond typical conservative and liberal approaches, which seek to either defend or whitewash over violence in the Bible, Disarming Scripture takes a surprising yet compelling approach: Learning to read the Bible like Jesus did. Along the way the book deals with some very big issues, ranging from passages commanding genocide and infanticide in the Old Testament to passages in the New Testament that have been used to justify slavery, child abuse, and state violence. The take-away is an approach to Scripture that not only sees questioning as an acceptable part of a healthy faith, but as an absolutely essential part of it.

Disarming the Church

Disarming the Church PDF Author: Eric A. Seibert
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1620328879
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 343

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Book Description
If Christians follow the Prince of Peace, why do they often behave so violently? What can be done to transform the church so that it looks more like Jesus? Eric Seibert explores these questions in this important and timely study. He builds a biblical and practical case for living nonviolently in all areas of life and urges Christians to reexamine their most fundamental attitudes toward violence, warfare, and killing. Through true stories and careful analysis, Seibert demonstrates that it is possible to resolve conflict, correct injustice, and stop oppression without resorting to violence. Many nonviolent alternatives are discussed throughout the book, alternatives that can be used in a wide range of situations, from dealing with an unwanted intruder at home to removing a dictator from power. In a world filled with so much violence, hate, and fear, alternatives like these are desperately needed. This book offers hope that a better way is possible, one that has the potential to transform the church and change the world. So read on and join in!

Disarming Scripture

Disarming Scripture PDF Author: Derek Flood
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780692307267
Category : Bible
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Get Book Here

Book Description
A GOD OF LOVE AND GENOCIDE? For many Christians the problem of violence in Scripture can result in a crisis of faith--especially when we see how such passages have been used throughout history to justify horrific bloodshed in God's name. Moving beyond typical conservative and liberal approaches, which seek to either defend or whitewash over violence in the Bible, Disarming Scripture takes a surprising yet compelling approach: Learning to read the Bible like Jesus did. Along the way the book deals with some very big issues, ranging from passages commanding genocide and infanticide in the Old Testament to passages in the New Testament that have been used to justify slavery, child abuse, and state violence. The take-away is an approach to Scripture that not only sees questioning as an acceptable part of a healthy faith, but as an absolutely essential part of it.

Disarming Beauty

Disarming Beauty PDF Author: Julián Carrón
Publisher: University of Notre Dame Pess
ISBN: 0268102007
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 304

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Book Description
In 2005, Father Julián Carrón became the leader of the global ecclesial movement Communion and Liberation, following the death of the movement's founder, Father Luigi Giussani. Disarming Beauty is the English translation of an engaging and thought-provoking collection of essays by one of the principal Catholic leaders and intellectuals in the world today. Adapted from talks given by Fr. Carrón, these essays have been thoroughly reworked by the author to offer an organic presentation of a decade-long journey. They present the content of his elaboration of the gospel message in light of the tradition of Fr. Giussani, the teachings of the popes, and the urgent needs of contemporary people. Carrón offers a broad diagnosis of challenges in society and then introduces their implications in contexts such as families, schools, workplaces, and political communities. In a dialogue with his listeners, he inspires and encourages them to lay out a new path for the Catholic church and the world. Throughout his essays, Carrón addresses the most pressing questions facing theologians today and provides insights that will interest everyone, from the most devout to the firm nonbeliever. Grappling with the interaction of Christian faith and modern culture, Carrón treats in very real and concrete ways what is essential to maintaining and developing Christian faith, and he invites an ongoing conversation about the meaning of faith, truth, and freedom.

Disturbing Divine Behavior

Disturbing Divine Behavior PDF Author: Eric A. Seibert
Publisher: Fortress Press
ISBN: 145140770X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 361

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Book Description
How should we understand biblical texts where God is depicted as acting irrationally, violently, or destructively? If we distance ourselves from disturbing portrayals of God, how should we understand the authority of Scripture? How does the often wrathful God portrayed in the Old Testament relate to the God of love proclaimed in the New Testament? Is that contrast even accurate? Disturbing Divine Behavior addresses these perennially vexing questions for the student of the Bible. Eric A. Seibert calls for an engaged and discerning reading of the Old Testament that distinguishes the particular literary and theological goals achieved through narrative characterizations of God from the rich understanding of the divine to which the Old Testament as a whole points. Providing illuminating reflections on theological reading as well, this book will be a welcome resource for any readers who puzzle over disturbing representations of God in the Bible.

A Disarming Spirit

A Disarming Spirit PDF Author: Frank Fromherz
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781941392126
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 512

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Book Description
A Disarming Spirit opens with Archbishop Hunthausen's historic speech denouncing the Trident nuclear submarine fleet harbored in his archdiocese. It then traces a range of religion and society issues that shaped his Seattle tenure, and digs deep into the story of turmoil as he faced not only the wrath of secular powers but also scrutiny from the ''restorationist'' papacy of John Paul II and Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, when the central authority of the Catholic Church turned away from the Vatican II model of church so vital to Hunthausen. The book, with three major parts, Conscience, Courage, and Character, allows us to understand not only the contours of Hunthausen's whole life but also some of the larger social forces surrounding an intimate and compelling story of prophetic witness and deep spirituality for peace and justice.

A Peculiar People

A Peculiar People PDF Author: Rodney R. Clapp
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
ISBN: 9780830819904
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 260

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Book Description
Rodney Clapp asks and answers the question, How can the church provide a significant alternative to the culture in which it is embedded?

Introverts in the Church

Introverts in the Church PDF Author: Adam S. McHugh
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
ISBN: 0830889272
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 246

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Book Description
Have you ever felt out of place as an introvert in an extroverted church culture? With practical illustrations from church and parachurch contexts, McHugh offers ways for introverts to serve, lead, worship, and even evangelize in ways consistent with their personalities. This expanded edition is essential reading for introverted Christians and church leaders alike.

Saving Jesus from the Church

Saving Jesus from the Church PDF Author: Robin R. Meyers
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 0061973068
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 201

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Book Description
“With crisply prophetic joy, Meyers calls seekers and believers alike to leave belief about God behind in favor of becoming imitators of Jesus.” —Diana Butler Bass, author of A People’s History of Christianity Robin Meyers, a rising star of liberal Christianity, restores the true mission of the faith that captures the heart of Jesus’s concern for people over “right belief.” Saving Jesus from the Church will resonate deeply with those who enjoy the works of John Shelby Spong, Marcus Borg, and John Dominic Crossan. “In a progressive rather than negatively critical mode, in strong contrast to much of Far Right Protestantism, pastor/NPR commentator Meyers suggests with typical elegance that a recovery of true Christianity emphasizes compassion over condemnation, blessing over sin, and equity over individual prosperity. Highly recommended.” —Library Journal (starred review) “Scholarly, pastoral, prophetic, and eloquent. The invitation to follow Jesus instead of worshiping Christ could not come at a more important time, or be issued by a more credible source.” —Desmond Tutu “Robin Meyers emerges in Saving Jesus from the Church as a national voice for a new Christianity. He is a well read scholar and a superb communicator. He writes with a refreshing honesty and a disarming authority. This book is a treat.” —John Shelby Spong, author of Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism “Meyers’ insightful and provocative critique of contemporary Christianity will stimulate energetic theologizing: deconstruction, reconstruction, or impassioned defense of the inherited tradition. Thank you, Robin, for convening this urgently needed conversation.” —Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr., president and founder of The Healing of the Nations Foundation

The Violence of Scripture

The Violence of Scripture PDF Author: Eric A. Seibert
Publisher: Fortress Press
ISBN: 1451424329
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 234

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Book Description
No one can read far in the Old Testament without encountering numerous acts of violence that are sanctioned in the text and attributed to both God and humans. Over the years, these texts have been used to justify all sorts of violence: from colonizing people and justifying warfare, to sanctioning violence against women and children. Eric Seibert confrons the problem of "virtuous" violence and urges people to engage in an ethically responsible reading of these troublesome texts. He offers a variety of reading strategies designed to critique textually sanctioned violence, while still finding ways to use even the most difficult texts constructively, thus providing a desperately needed approach to the violence of Scripture that can help us live more peaceably in a world plagued by religious violence. --from publisher description

Parable Church

Parable Church PDF Author: Mike Burnette
Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN: 0310113024
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 224

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Book Description
In Parable Church, pastor and author Mike Burnette unpacks unique insights from Jesus' parables that can help us understand and experience the full, transformative life in community we are divinely intended to live. Christ never actually told us how to "do church." Yes, he had a lot to say about the church, but what he did say was mostly unrelated to stylistic issues or contextual trends. He never spoke about its leadership hierarchies or the pros and cons of denominational fellowships or the types of music. And yet, much of our time and energy as leaders and shepherds is consumed by chasing after tips, tricks, and secrets to "grow" churches. While we've tended to focus on church growth through strategies, programs, and metric-based insights, Christ always focused on the heart and the values of the Father, the values that actually change lives and increase the spiritual health of his people. By digging deeply into three important parables: The Parable of the Two Sons The Parable of the Sower The Parable of the Talents Parable Church weaves together personal narratives, unique cultural observations, and compellingly fresh biblical insights to paint a picture of something unimaginably greater than what most people think of when they think of Jesus' Church. Although Jesus never gave us directions for church, he did, through his parables, reveal what we should experience in our communities together--he revealed the culture of his kingdom.