Community as Church, Church as Community

Community as Church, Church as Community PDF Author: Michael Plekon
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1725287536
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 272

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Book Description
Parishes of all denominations are in decline, shrinking, closing, dying. We know that there are increasing numbers, young and older, who are religious “nones” and “dones.” This book explores why the decline is taking place, why the distancing is going on. But it goes on to examine parishes from all over the country and from various church bodies that are resurrecting. The central theme of death and resurrection shapes the analysis of parishes covered. Parishes are resurrecting by reinventing their ministries, by repurposing their building to better serve their neighborhoods, thus replanting and reconnecting with them. All of this is the Spirit’s doing but through the community of sisters and brothers who make up each congregation of faith. Community as the core of church is the other reality shaping the book’s reflection. And community, a parish being with those around, living for more than its own survival are visions for going forward. Other aspects of congregational life are also examined, most importantly the pastors—how they serve when budgets shrink, how they are trained, how pastors act with the community not above it. No recipes are suggested for parish resurrection, but the stories of the parishes that have revived bear within numerous lessons for us in the future.

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church PDF Author: Catholic Church. Pontificium Consilium de Iustitia et Pace
Publisher: Veritas Co. Ltd.
ISBN: 1853908398
Category : Christian sociology
Languages : en
Pages : 13

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Book Description


Catechism of the Catholic Church

Catechism of the Catholic Church PDF Author: U.S. Catholic Church
Publisher: Image
ISBN: 030795370X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 849

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Book Description
Over 3 million copies sold! Essential reading for Catholics of all walks of life. Here it is - the first new Catechism of the Catholic Church in more than 400 years, a complete summary of what Catholics around the world commonly believe. The Catechism draws on the Bible, the Mass, the Sacraments, Church tradition and teaching, and the lives of saints. It comes with a complete index, footnotes and cross-references for a fuller understanding of every subject. The word catechism means "instruction" - this book will serve as the standard for all future catechisms. Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives (the Commandments), and what she prays (the Lord's Prayer), the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a positive, coherent and contemporary map for our spiritual journey toward transformation.

Church, State, and Society

Church, State, and Society PDF Author: J. Brian Benestad
Publisher: Catholic University of America Press + ORM
ISBN: 081321923X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 784

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Book Description
How can the Catholic faith help not only Catholics, but all people, build a just and flourishing society? The Catholic Church contributes first and foremost to the common good by forming the consciences of the faithful. Faith helps reason achieve an understanding of the common good and guides individuals in living justly and harmoniously. In this book, J. Brian Benestad provides a detailed, accessible introduction to Catholic social doctrine (CSD), the Church’s teachings on the human person, the family, society, political life, charity, justice, and social justice. Church, State, and Society explains the nuanced understanding of human dignity and the common good found in the Catholic intellectual tradition. It makes the case that liberal-arts education is an essential part of the common good because it helps people understand their dignity and all that justice requires. The author shows the influence of ancient and modern political philosophy and examines St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, papal social encyclicals, Vatican Council II, and postconciliar magisterial teaching. Benestad highlights the teachings of popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI that the attainment of the common good depends on the practice of the virtues by citizens and leaders alike. In addition to discussing the tension between CSD and liberal democracy, the book takes an in-depth look at: –Key themes of social life: the dignity of the human person, human rights, natural law, and the common good –Three principal mediating institutions of civil society: family, Church, and Catholic university –The economy, work, poverty, immigration, and the environment –The international community and just war principles “Excellent . . . The best treatment of Catholic Social Doctrine as a whole and a precious reminder of the intrinsically problematic character of modern democracy.” —Perspectives on Political Science

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?

Three Simple Rules

Three Simple Rules PDF Author: Rueben P. Job
Publisher: Abingdon Press
ISBN: 0687649668
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 47

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Book Description
Learn the three simple rules to mutual respect, unity and a deeper daily relationship with God.

The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 1968

The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 1968 PDF Author: United Methodist Church (U.S.)
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Methodist Church
Languages : en
Pages : 616

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Book Description


How to Be a Christian without Going to Church

How to Be a Christian without Going to Church PDF Author: Kelly Bean
Publisher: Baker Books
ISBN: 1441246533
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 249

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Book Description
As many--young people especially--leave the traditional church in droves, they often still long for a genuine Christian community in which to practice their faith and share their spiritual journeys with others. They want to be faithful but struggle to find a place where they flourish. Whether they've already left the church behind or are merely considering it, readers will find here both heartfelt encouragement and practical steps for finding or creating a community of faith that honors God and offers rest, love, and communion with other believers. Author Kelly Bean broadens our definition of church to include many alternative forms of Christian community. With true stories of those who have given up on church and what they're doing now, this book is also helpful for pastors and churchgoers to help them understand why people leave the church--and what might be done to help them stay.

For the Strength of Youth

For the Strength of Youth PDF Author: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Publisher: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
ISBN: 1465107665
Category : Mormon Church
Languages : en
Pages : 62

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Book Description
OUR DEAR YOUNG MEN AND YOUNG WOMEN, we have great confidence in you. You are beloved sons and daughters of God and He is mindful of you. You have come to earth at a time of great opportunities and also of great challenges. The standards in this booklet will help you with the important choices you are making now and will yet make in the future. We promise that as you keep the covenants you have made and these standards, you will be blessed with the companionship of the Holy Ghost, your faith and testimony will grow stronger, and you will enjoy increasing happiness.

Social Principles of The United Methodist Church 2017-2020

Social Principles of The United Methodist Church 2017-2020 PDF Author: United Methodist Church
Publisher: United Methodist Publishing House
ISBN: 1501835785
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 116

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Book Description
This 64-page booklet is a tool designed to help individuals and small groups study The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church. It contains the official text of The Social Principles from The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2016 along with exercises for individuals or small groups, a topical index, and Social Creed. The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church are the product of over one hundred years of legislative decisions made by lay and clergy members of The United Methodist Church and its predecessor denominations. The Social Principles are prayerful and thoughtful efforts on the part of many General Conferences to speak to complex and controversial issues in the global community. Studying The Social Principles provides opportunities to examine your own theology and ethics and to practice discipleship.

The Church Cracked Open

The Church Cracked Open PDF Author: Stephanie Spellers
Publisher: Church Publishing, Inc.
ISBN: 1640654259
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 161

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Book Description
"This book will make a profound difference for the church in this moment in history." — The Most Reverend Michael B. Curry Sometimes it takes disruption and loss to break us open and call us home to God. It’s not surprising that a global pandemic and once-in-a-generation reckoning with white supremacy—on top of decades of systemic decline—have spurred Christians everywhere to ask who we are, why God placed us here and what difference that makes to the world. In this critical yet loving book, the author explores the American story and the Episcopal story in order to find out how communities steeped in racism, establishment, and privilege can at last fall in love with Jesus, walk humbly with the most vulnerable and embody beloved community in our own broken but beautiful way. The Church Cracked Open invites us to surrender privilege and redefine church, not just for the sake of others, but for our own salvation and liberation.