Idolatry and Authority

Idolatry and Authority PDF Author: Richard Liong Seng Phua
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 0567289109
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 257

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Book Description
1 Cor 8.1-11.1 is concerned with the subject of idolatry in first-century Christianity and ancient Judaism. Jews and Christians differ over what constitutes idolatry and even within ancient Judaism and early Christianity there was no consensus. In this book, a set of definitions are created which are applied to the examination of the various relevant Diaspora Jewish literature, inscriptions and papyri, and finally the NT passage. This examination reveals different attitudes adopted by different Jews towards idolatry, which serve as parallels to the three positions in 1 Cor 8.1-11.1, 'the strong', 'the weak', and Paul. The resolution of the issue of idolatry lies in the question of who determines what is idolatrous and what constitutes proper Christian behaviour. This is accomplished through a comparison and contrast between leadership structures within Diaspora Jewish assemblies and the Corinthian church. Almost all the definitions of idolatry set up are operative in Paul, whose way of resolving the issue of idolatry is by appeal to biblical history. By insisting on his authority as the founding apostle and father of the Corinthian church, Paul can issue the injunction to the 'strong' to flee from idolatry because idolatrous behaviour would incur the wrath of God and lead to God's punishment, which is the loss of one's eschatological salvation. For the Diaspora Jews, the 'final court of appeal' was the law; but for the Corinthian church, the authority Paul sets up is Christ, the gospel, salvation, and Paul himself as the founding apostle.

Idolatry and Authority

Idolatry and Authority PDF Author: Richard Liong Seng Phua
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 0567289109
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 257

Get Book Here

Book Description
1 Cor 8.1-11.1 is concerned with the subject of idolatry in first-century Christianity and ancient Judaism. Jews and Christians differ over what constitutes idolatry and even within ancient Judaism and early Christianity there was no consensus. In this book, a set of definitions are created which are applied to the examination of the various relevant Diaspora Jewish literature, inscriptions and papyri, and finally the NT passage. This examination reveals different attitudes adopted by different Jews towards idolatry, which serve as parallels to the three positions in 1 Cor 8.1-11.1, 'the strong', 'the weak', and Paul. The resolution of the issue of idolatry lies in the question of who determines what is idolatrous and what constitutes proper Christian behaviour. This is accomplished through a comparison and contrast between leadership structures within Diaspora Jewish assemblies and the Corinthian church. Almost all the definitions of idolatry set up are operative in Paul, whose way of resolving the issue of idolatry is by appeal to biblical history. By insisting on his authority as the founding apostle and father of the Corinthian church, Paul can issue the injunction to the 'strong' to flee from idolatry because idolatrous behaviour would incur the wrath of God and lead to God's punishment, which is the loss of one's eschatological salvation. For the Diaspora Jews, the 'final court of appeal' was the law; but for the Corinthian church, the authority Paul sets up is Christ, the gospel, salvation, and Paul himself as the founding apostle.

People to Be Loved

People to Be Loved PDF Author: Preston Sprinkle
Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN: 0310519667
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 225

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Book Description
Christians who are confused by the homosexuality debate raging in the US are looking for resources that are based solidly on a deep study of what Scripture says about the issue. In People to Be Loved, Preston Sprinkle challenges those on all sides of the debate to consider what the Bible says and how we should approach the topic of homosexuality in light of it. In a manner that appeals to a scholarly and lay-audience alike, Preston takes on difficult questions such as how should the church treat people struggling with same-sex attraction? Is same-sex attraction a product of biological or societal factors or both? How should the church think about larger cultural issues, such as gay marriage, gay pride, and whether intolerance over LGBT amounts to racism? How (or if) Christians should do business with LGBT persons and supportive companies? Simply saying that the Bible condemns homosexuality is not accurate, nor is it enough to end the debate. Those holding a traditional view still struggle to reconcile the Bible’s prohibition of same-sex attraction with the message of radical, unconditional grace. This book meets that need.

Idols of the Heart

Idols of the Heart PDF Author: Elyse Fitzpatrick
Publisher: P & R Publishing
ISBN: 9781629952109
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 240

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Book Description
Were all idol-worshippers at heartputting loves, desires, and expectations ahead of God. But theres good news! Elyse shows us how we can identify our idols and battle besetting sins.

Idolatry

Idolatry PDF Author: Moshe Halbertal
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 320

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Book Description
Ranging with authority from the Talmud to Maimonides, from Marx to Nietzsche and on to G.E. Moore, this account of a subject central to our culture also has much to say about metaphor, myth, and the application of philosophical analysis to religious concepts and sensibilities.

Playing God

Playing God PDF Author: Andy Crouch
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
ISBN: 0830837655
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 289

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Book Description
With Playing God, Andy Crouch opens the subject of power, elucidating its subtle activity in our relationships and institutions. He gives us much more than a warning against abuse, though. Turning the notion of "playing God" on its head, Crouch celebrates power as the gift by which we join in God's creative, redeeming work in the world.

Here Are Your Gods!'

Here Are Your Gods!' PDF Author: CHRISTOPHER J. H. WRIGHT
Publisher: Inter-Varsity Press
ISBN: 1789742323
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 160

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Book Description
How should Christians be faithful disciples in the political turbulence of Trump and Brexit? Christopher J H Wright unpacks the Biblical theme of idolatry and connects it to discipleship in today’s world. As Christians, we desperately need to name and expose the false gods and idols that we are tempted to bow down to – ‘Here are your gods!’ The Bible challenges the idols of political power and nationalism. The Biblical story is filled with hope that the kingdom of God will ultimately triumph over all human empires. How then should we live as followers of Jesus, the Messiah, Saviour, Lord and King? Part One is adapted from chapter 5 of Wright’s The Mission of God, ‘The Living God Confronts Idolatry’. Parts Two and Three bring the Bible to bear on contemporary politics in the UK and USA, and for all Christians seeking to make sense of the changing world we live in.

Surprised by Scripture

Surprised by Scripture PDF Author: N. T. Wright
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 0062230557
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 177

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Book Description
A thoughtful and provocative collection, in the vein of the intellectual spiritual classic The Weight of Glory, from N. T. Wright, the influential Bishop, Bible scholar, and bestselling author widely regarded as a modern C. S. Lewis. An unusual combination of scholar, churchman, and leader, N. T. Wright—hailed by Newsweek as “the world’s leading New Testament scholar”—is not only incredibly insightful, but conveys his knowledge in terms that excite and inspire Christian leaders worldwide, allowing them to see the Bible from a fresh viewpoint. In this challenging and stimulating collection of popular essays, sermons, and talks, Wright provide a series of case studies which explore how the Bible can be applied to some of the most pressing contemporary issues facing us, including: Why it is possible to love the Bible and affirm evolution Why women should be allowed to be ordained Where Christians today have lost focus, and why it is important for them to engage in politics—and why that involvement benefits everyone Why the Christian belief in heaven means we should be at the forefront of the environmental movement And much more Helpful, practical, and wise, Surprised by Scripture invites readers to examine their own hearts and minds and presents new models for understanding how to affirm the Bible in today’s world—as well as new ideas and renewed energy for deepening our faith and engaging with the world around us.

Counterfeit Gods

Counterfeit Gods PDF Author: Timothy Keller
Publisher: Hachette UK
ISBN: 1848948530
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 181

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Book Description
The issue of idolatry has been with the human race for thousands of years; the subtle temptation is always to take what is good and turn it into the ultimate good, elevating it above all other things in the search for security and meaning. In this timely and challenging book, New York pastor Timothy Keller looks at the issue of idolatry throughout the Bible -- from the worship of actual idols in the Old Testament, to the idolatry of money by the rich young ruler when he was challenged by Jesus to give up all his wealth. Using classic stories from the Bible Keller cuts through our dependence on the glittering false idols of money, sex and power to uncover the path towards trust in the real ultimate -- God. Today's idols may look different from those of the Old Testament, but Keller argues that they are no less damaging. Culturally transforming as well as biblically based, COUNTERFEIT GODS is a powerful look at the temptation to worship what can only disappoint, and is a vital message in today's current climate of financial and social difficulty.

Disciplines of a Godly Young Man

Disciplines of a Godly Young Man PDF Author: R. Kent Hughes
Publisher: Crossway
ISBN: 1433526050
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 194

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Book Description
Point blank, this is a punchy, no-holds-barred book for young men that lays out the call and command to be disciplined, godly, and sold-out for Jesus. Addressing topics such as purity in one's thought-life, peer pressure, and perseverance as a Christian, this specially adapted work stands to influence a struggling generation. Using the same no-nonsense approach that made R. Kent Hughes' Disciplines of a Godly Man a positive influence on thousands of adults, this adaptation by Kent, his son Carey, and veteran youth leader Jonathan Carswell outlines the disciplines necessary to help a young man align every facet of his life with the fundamental truths of the Bible. It not only teaches how to live a life of Christian discipline, but also instills the desire to do so into a young heart longing to live a life of integrity, meaning, and fulfillment. This book brings the authority of a trusted name with a new flavor that will engage a younger audience.

Confronting the Idols of Our Age

Confronting the Idols of Our Age PDF Author: Thomas P. Power
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1532604343
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 57

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Book Description
An idol is a good thing. It is good because God created it. Nothing exists that God did not create and God created all things good. So sex can be an idol, but before it was an idol it was a good creation of God. Materialism is an idol, but to have a material world was God's idea in the first place. Workaholism is an idol, but work is itself a good gift of God. What turns these good gifts of God into idols is what we have done with them. So we have common forms of idolatry expressed in consumerism, individualism, narcissism, careerism, and hedonism; while there are less familiar expressions found in omnism, fatalism, Gnosticism, relativism, positivism, and reductionism. We have put these and other things on a pedestal and made them into mini-gods. In the end they fail to deliver what they promise. These twelve mediations on a scriptural passage by faculty members of Wycliffe College, Toronto, emphasize that the good news is that God can redeem idols. Each one can be restored to its proper place in God's created order and placed under God's authority.