What Do We Believe? Why Does It Matter?

What Do We Believe? Why Does It Matter? PDF Author: Jeff Astley
Publisher: SCM Press
ISBN: 0334054079
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 152

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Book Description
This book provides a general introduction to the basic beliefs of Christian theology togther with their significance for Christian living and worship

What Do We Believe? Why Does It Matter?

What Do We Believe? Why Does It Matter? PDF Author: Jeff Astley
Publisher: SCM Press
ISBN: 0334054079
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 152

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Book Description
This book provides a general introduction to the basic beliefs of Christian theology togther with their significance for Christian living and worship

Why We Believe in God(s)

Why We Believe in God(s) PDF Author: J. Anderson Thomson
Publisher: Pitchstone Publishing (US&CA)
ISBN: 0984493239
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 91

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Book Description
In this groundbreaking volume, J. Anderson Thomson, Jr., MD, with Clare Aukofer, offers a succinct yet comprehensive study of how and why the human mind generates religious belief. Dr. Thomson, a highly respected practicing psychiatrist with credentials in forensic psychiatry and evolutionary psychology, methodically investigates the components and causes of religious belief in the same way any scientist would investigate the movement of astronomical bodies or the evolution of life over time—that is, as a purely natural phenomenon. Providing compelling evidence from psychology, the cognitive neurosciences, and related fields, he, with Ms. Aukofer, presents an easily accessible and exceptionally convincing case that god(s) were created by man—not vice versa. With this slim volume, Dr. Thomson establishes himself as a must-read thinker and leading voice on the primacy of reason and science over superstition and religion.

After You Believe

After You Believe PDF Author: N. T. Wright
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 0061730556
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 326

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Book Description
From the author of the acclaimed Simply Christian and Surprised by Hope comes a book that addresses the question that has plagued humans for centuries—what is our purpose? As Christians, what are we to do with that ambiguous time between baptism and the funeral? It's easy to become preoccupied with who gets into heaven; the real challenge is how we are going to live in the here and now. Wright dispels the common misconception that Christian living is nothing more than a checklist of dos and don'ts. Nor is it a prescription to "follow your heart" wherever it may lead. Instead, After You Believe reveals the Bible's call for a revolution—a transformation of character that takes us beyond our earthly pursuit of money, sex, and power into a virtuous state of living that allows us to reflect God and live more worshipful, fulfilling lives. We are all spiritual seekers, intuitively knowing there is more to life than we suspect. This is a book for anyone who is hoping there is something more while we're here on Earth. There is. We are being called to join the revolution, and Wright insightfully encourages readers to find new purpose and clarity by taking us on an eye-opening journey through key biblical passages that promise to radically alter the work of the church and the direction of our lives.

The Untold Story of the New Testament Church [Revised and Expanded]

The Untold Story of the New Testament Church [Revised and Expanded] PDF Author: Frank Viola
Publisher: Destiny Image Publishers
ISBN: 0768461634
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 670

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Book Description
Experience the New Testament Like Never Before One famous scholar said that reading the New Testament letters is like hearing one end of a phone conversation. The Untold Story of the New Testament Church (Revised and Expanded) reconstructs the other end so you can understand virtually every word. Seamlessly weaving the narrative of Acts with the Epistles, you'll discover a coherent story enriched by intriguing details of first-century life. This unique and innovative presentation of the New Testament unlocks its epic story in a way that will leave you breathless and equipped to understand the Bible like never before. Though it’s non-fiction, this masterpiece reads like a cinematic experience and it will captivate your heart by putting you in the center of the drama. Drawing on the best of contemporary scholarship, Frank Viola includes background information about the people, cities, and places that are mentioned throughout the New Testament, all in an engaging narrative. As you dive into this riveting volume, you will: Gain an intimate glimpse into the lives of apostles Peter, James, John, Paul, and their colleagues. Uncover the events that inspired each New Testament letter, shedding new light on every line from Romans to Revelation. Meet the key figures who shaped the world, like Priscilla, Apollos, Lydia, Luke, John Mark, Phoebe, Aristarchus, and Epaphras. Witness the dynamic tumult of first-century churches, individuals, and events as they unfold vividly before you. Prepare to be ushered into the living, breathing atmosphere of the first century so you can uncover the hidden riches contained in God’s Word.

Does It Matter What You Believe?

Does It Matter What You Believe? PDF Author: Elvin C. Myers
Publisher: WestBow Press
ISBN: 1664232605
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 123

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Book Description
The road, the way, the belief system that leads a human soul home and into the presence of God is not crowded. There are few who find it. So, it’s important to ask yourself: Are you on the right road? Elvin C. Myers, a former missionary and pastor to churches in Colorado, Virginia, and Florida, wrote this book to steer people away from errors that might damn their souls. The author draws on his more than sixty years of being a pastor to explore the differences between Protestant Evangelical beliefs and those of Catholicism. In doing so, he answers questions such as: Why is it incumbent on people who know the truth of the Lord to speak up? Does living a good life ensure someone will go to heaven? What are the consequences of being disobedient to the Lord? Can someone who is deeply religious still perish in hell? It is the author’s sincere hope that this book will lead you away from the judgment of hell and the lake of fire that is mentioned in Revelation 20:14–15, a place where the soul never dies.

Lies We Believe About God

Lies We Believe About God PDF Author: Wm. Paul Young
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1501101412
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 163

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Book Description
From the author of the bestselling novel The Shack and the New York Times bestsellers Cross Roads and Eve comes a compelling, conversational exploration of twenty-eight assumptions about God—assumptions that just might be keeping us from experiencing His unconditional, all-encompassing love. In his wildly popular novels, Wm. Paul Young portrayed the Triune God in ways that challenged our thinking—sometimes upending long-held beliefs, but always centered in the eternal, all-encompassing nature of God’s love. Now, in Wm. Paul Young’s first nonfiction book, he invites us to revisit our assumptions about God—this time using the Bible, theological discussion, and personal anecdotes. Paul encourages us to think through beliefs we’ve presumed to be true and consider whether some might actually be false. Expounding on the compassion fans felt from the “Papa” portrayed in The Shack—now a major film starring Sam Worthington and Octavia Spencer—Paul encourages you to think anew about important issues including sin, religion, hell, politics, identity, creation, human rights, and helping us discover God’s deep and abiding love.

Engaging Theology

Engaging Theology PDF Author: Ben C. Blackwell
Publisher: Zondervan Academic
ISBN: 0310092779
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 298

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Book Description
Theology today is faced with increasing amounts of religious and theological pluralism. What is distinctive about Christian theology? Why do these ideas matter? And the biggest question of all: Who cares? Key aspects of orthodox theology are seen as speculative and irrelevant to "authentic" Christianity and to personal spirituality. While not succumbing to the pragmatism of the age, this book shows that key elements of Christian theology ground an integrated worldview and are essential for spiritual formation. Engaging Theology is an introductory theology textbook that grounds a treatment of standard systematic topics in the wider context of life and practice and shows the relevance of each doctrine to the church. The book treats the essential doctrines of Christian orthodoxy by following the pattern of story, doctrinal exposition, theological relevance, and spiritual relevance: Story: Each chapter begins with a brief and engaging account of the historical situation out of which the doctrine arose or where it played an essential role in the development of the church, showing students that orthodox theology matters and introducing them to most of the key theologians in the history of the church. Doctrinal Exposition: The heart of the chapter is exposition of key elements of the doctrine, highlighting core and debated elements while clarifying heterodox perspectives. Integrated with the narrative account this section also models the contextualized nature of theology. Each chapter includes biblical, historical, and contemporary views on the issue and notes key figures in the debates and their influence. Theological Relevance: While theological relevance is clear throughout each chapter, this section highlights relevance to the modern setting and concerns, including interaction with heterodox and non-Christian faiths. It identifies current theological problems besetting the church and shows how a proper understanding and integration of orthodox theology addresses these problems. It also points to other problems the church is facing for interesting discussion starters. Spiritual Relevance: Since orthodox theology has a direct influence on one's own spiritual formation and practice, each chapter concludes with practical encouragements and discussions about how each doctrine can be integrated in one's personal and corporate life. Engaging Theology is ideal for students and everyday people living in a post Christian era to help them seriously engage with the Christian faith.

How We Believe

How We Believe PDF Author: Michael Shermer
Publisher: Macmillan
ISBN: 071674161X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 370

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Book Description
Recent polls report that 96% of Americans believe in God. Why is this? Why, despite the rise of science, technology, and secular education, are people turning to religion in greater numbers than ever before? Why do people believe in God at all?

Becoming an Anti-Racist Church

Becoming an Anti-Racist Church PDF Author: Joseph Barndt
Publisher: Fortress Press
ISBN: 1451411758
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 234

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Book Description
Christians addressing racism in American society must begin with a frank assessment of how race figures in the churches themselves, leading activist Joseph Barndt argues. This practical and important volume extends the insights of Barndt's earlier, more general work to address the race situation in the churches themselves and to equip people there to be agents for change in and beyond their church communities.

The Grand Miracle

The Grand Miracle PDF Author: C. S. Lewis
Publisher: Ballantine Books
ISBN: 0345336585
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 178

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Book Description
“Captivating reading that builds the faith while it fills the mind with greatness.”—Sherwood Wirt, former editor, DECISION Magazine One of this century's greatest writers of fact, fiction, and fantasy explores, in utterly beautiful terms, questions of faith in the modern world: • On the experience of miracles • On silence and religious belief • On the assumed conflict between work and prayer • On the error of trying to lead “a good life” without Christ • On the necessity of dogma to religion • On the dangers of national repentance • On the commercialization of Christmas . . . and more “The searching mind and the poetic spirit of C.S. Lewis are readily evident in this collection of essays edited by his one-time secretary, Walter Hopper. Here the reader finds the tough-mind polemicist relishing the debate; here too the kindly teacher explaining a complex abstraction by means of clarifying analogies; here the public speaker addressing his varied audience with all the humility and grace of a man who knows how much more remains to be unknown.”—The New York Times Book Review