Disavowing Constantine

Disavowing Constantine

Author: Nigel G. Wright

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2007-01-01

Total Pages: 287

ISBN-13: 1597527939

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'Disavowing Constantine' draws upon the work of two highly influential modern theologians, Jÿrgen Moltmann and John Howard Yoder, to develop an independent and constructive understanding of the relation of the church to the state. Its aim is to restate for modern understanding the insights of the Believers Church tradition and to work out their implications for Christian participation in the civil order. In this complex realm, positive insights are located in traditions usually regarded as incompatible, but the thesis of the book concerns disavowing Constantine, renouncing the reliance of the church upon coercive power to further its mission in order to rediscover how a faithful church might nonetheless participate as a witness within the power structures of human society.


Book Synopsis Disavowing Constantine by : Nigel G. Wright

Download or read book Disavowing Constantine written by Nigel G. Wright and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2007-01-01 with total page 287 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 'Disavowing Constantine' draws upon the work of two highly influential modern theologians, Jÿrgen Moltmann and John Howard Yoder, to develop an independent and constructive understanding of the relation of the church to the state. Its aim is to restate for modern understanding the insights of the Believers Church tradition and to work out their implications for Christian participation in the civil order. In this complex realm, positive insights are located in traditions usually regarded as incompatible, but the thesis of the book concerns disavowing Constantine, renouncing the reliance of the church upon coercive power to further its mission in order to rediscover how a faithful church might nonetheless participate as a witness within the power structures of human society.

In the World, But Not of the World

In the World, But Not of the World

Author: Andrew L. Fitz-Gibbon

Publisher: Lexington Books

Published: 2000

Total Pages: 294

ISBN-13: 9780739101193

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In the World, But Not of the World explores the threefold tension among Alasdair MacIntyre's prognosis for Western society; the desires of some for a social transformation with a Christian moral vision at the sacred centre; and a "baptist" understanding of Christianity as essentially voluntary, non-sacralist discipleship. Andrew Fitz-Gibbon uses five contemporary Christian social thinkers, from different traditions, as conversation partners. Through his examination of these thinkers, Fitz-Gibbon explores how the church may continue to truthfully narrate the Christian story in the midst of the moral tensions of late-capitalist Western society. His creative conclusion is that the church at the beginning of the twenty-first century can move toward a resolution of the central tension of "being in the world, but not of the world" through a synthesis of the believers' church tradition and an affirmation of communitarian liberal democracy.


Book Synopsis In the World, But Not of the World by : Andrew L. Fitz-Gibbon

Download or read book In the World, But Not of the World written by Andrew L. Fitz-Gibbon and published by Lexington Books. This book was released on 2000 with total page 294 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the World, But Not of the World explores the threefold tension among Alasdair MacIntyre's prognosis for Western society; the desires of some for a social transformation with a Christian moral vision at the sacred centre; and a "baptist" understanding of Christianity as essentially voluntary, non-sacralist discipleship. Andrew Fitz-Gibbon uses five contemporary Christian social thinkers, from different traditions, as conversation partners. Through his examination of these thinkers, Fitz-Gibbon explores how the church may continue to truthfully narrate the Christian story in the midst of the moral tensions of late-capitalist Western society. His creative conclusion is that the church at the beginning of the twenty-first century can move toward a resolution of the central tension of "being in the world, but not of the world" through a synthesis of the believers' church tradition and an affirmation of communitarian liberal democracy.

Renewing a Modern Denomination

Renewing a Modern Denomination

Author: Andy Goodliff

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2021-01-19

Total Pages: 252

ISBN-13: 1725279827

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This book is an exploration of the renewal of the Baptist Union of Great Britain in the 1990s, the only historic UK denomination which grew in this period. It was an exciting time, with plenty of denominational activity and engagement, both theological and institutional. The book tells this story focusing on the particular individuals involved and the wide-ranging discussions centered around mission and identity, ministry, associating, and ecumenism. It argues that there were competing visions emerging from two different streams of thought which whilst not divisive caused tension. At the end of the decade structural changes were introduced with hope for the new millennium, but the book contends that opportunities were missed for a more deeply theological renewal.


Book Synopsis Renewing a Modern Denomination by : Andy Goodliff

Download or read book Renewing a Modern Denomination written by Andy Goodliff and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2021-01-19 with total page 252 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is an exploration of the renewal of the Baptist Union of Great Britain in the 1990s, the only historic UK denomination which grew in this period. It was an exciting time, with plenty of denominational activity and engagement, both theological and institutional. The book tells this story focusing on the particular individuals involved and the wide-ranging discussions centered around mission and identity, ministry, associating, and ecumenism. It argues that there were competing visions emerging from two different streams of thought which whilst not divisive caused tension. At the end of the decade structural changes were introduced with hope for the new millennium, but the book contends that opportunities were missed for a more deeply theological renewal.

Baptist Theology

Baptist Theology

Author: James Leo Garrett

Publisher: Mercer University Press

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 776

ISBN-13: 9780881461299

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This title offers a comprehensive analysis of Baptist theology. Embracing in one common trajectory the major Baptist confessions of faith, the major Baptist theologians, and the principal Baptist theological movements and controversies, this book spans four centuries of Baptist doctrinal history. Acknowledging first the pre-1609 roots (patristic, medieval, and Reformational) of Baptist theology, it examines the Arminian versus Calvinist issues that were first expressed by the General Baptists and the Particular Baptists; that dominated English and American Baptist theology during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries from Helwys and Smyth and from Bunyan and Kiffin to Gill, Fuller, Backus, and Boyce; and, that were quickened by the 'awakenings' and the missionary movement. Concurrently there were the Baptist defense of the Baptist distinctives vis-a-vis the pedobaptist world and the unfolding of a strong Baptist confessional tradition. Then during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries the liberal versus evangelical issues became dominant with Hovey, Strong, Rauschenbusch, and Henry in the North and Mullins, Conner, Hobbs, and Criswell in the South even as a distinctive Baptist Landmarkism developed, the discipline of biblical theology was practiced and a structured ecumenism was pursued. Missiology both impacted Baptist theology and took it to all the continents, where it became increasingly indigenous. Conscious that Baptists belong to the free churches and to the believers' churches, a new generation of Baptist theologians at the advent of the twenty-first century appears somewhat more Calvinist than Arminian and decidedly more evangelical than liberal.


Book Synopsis Baptist Theology by : James Leo Garrett

Download or read book Baptist Theology written by James Leo Garrett and published by Mercer University Press. This book was released on 2009 with total page 776 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This title offers a comprehensive analysis of Baptist theology. Embracing in one common trajectory the major Baptist confessions of faith, the major Baptist theologians, and the principal Baptist theological movements and controversies, this book spans four centuries of Baptist doctrinal history. Acknowledging first the pre-1609 roots (patristic, medieval, and Reformational) of Baptist theology, it examines the Arminian versus Calvinist issues that were first expressed by the General Baptists and the Particular Baptists; that dominated English and American Baptist theology during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries from Helwys and Smyth and from Bunyan and Kiffin to Gill, Fuller, Backus, and Boyce; and, that were quickened by the 'awakenings' and the missionary movement. Concurrently there were the Baptist defense of the Baptist distinctives vis-a-vis the pedobaptist world and the unfolding of a strong Baptist confessional tradition. Then during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries the liberal versus evangelical issues became dominant with Hovey, Strong, Rauschenbusch, and Henry in the North and Mullins, Conner, Hobbs, and Criswell in the South even as a distinctive Baptist Landmarkism developed, the discipline of biblical theology was practiced and a structured ecumenism was pursued. Missiology both impacted Baptist theology and took it to all the continents, where it became increasingly indigenous. Conscious that Baptists belong to the free churches and to the believers' churches, a new generation of Baptist theologians at the advent of the twenty-first century appears somewhat more Calvinist than Arminian and decidedly more evangelical than liberal.

Theology After Christendom

Theology After Christendom

Author: Joshua T. Searle

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2018-02-14

Total Pages: 232

ISBN-13: 1532617305

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Christianity must be understood not as a religion of private salvation, but as a gospel movement of universal compassion, which transforms the world in the power of God’s truth. Amid several major global crises, including the rise of terrorism and religious fundamentalism and a sudden resurgence of political extremism, Christians must now face up fearlessly to the challenges of living in a “post-truth” age in which deceitful politicians present their media-spun fabrications as “alternative facts.” This book is an attempt to enact a transformative theology for these changing times that will equip the global Christian community to take a stand for the gospel in an age of cultural despair and moral fragmentation. The emerging post-Christendom era calls for a new vision of Christianity that has come of age and connects with the spiritual crisis of our times. In helping to make this vision a reality, Searle insists that theology is not merely an academic discipline, but a transformative enterprise that changes the world. Theology is to be experienced not just behind a desk, in an armchair, or in a church, but also in hospitals, in foodbanks, in workplaces, and on the streets. Theology is to be lived as well as read.


Book Synopsis Theology After Christendom by : Joshua T. Searle

Download or read book Theology After Christendom written by Joshua T. Searle and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2018-02-14 with total page 232 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Christianity must be understood not as a religion of private salvation, but as a gospel movement of universal compassion, which transforms the world in the power of God’s truth. Amid several major global crises, including the rise of terrorism and religious fundamentalism and a sudden resurgence of political extremism, Christians must now face up fearlessly to the challenges of living in a “post-truth” age in which deceitful politicians present their media-spun fabrications as “alternative facts.” This book is an attempt to enact a transformative theology for these changing times that will equip the global Christian community to take a stand for the gospel in an age of cultural despair and moral fragmentation. The emerging post-Christendom era calls for a new vision of Christianity that has come of age and connects with the spiritual crisis of our times. In helping to make this vision a reality, Searle insists that theology is not merely an academic discipline, but a transformative enterprise that changes the world. Theology is to be experienced not just behind a desk, in an armchair, or in a church, but also in hospitals, in foodbanks, in workplaces, and on the streets. Theology is to be lived as well as read.

The Crucifixion of the Warrior God

The Crucifixion of the Warrior God

Author: Gregory A. Boyd

Publisher: Fortress Press

Published: 2017-04-17

Total Pages: 1487

ISBN-13: 1506420761

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A dramatic tension confronts every Christian believer and interpreter of Scripture: on the one hand, we encounter images of God commanding and engaging in horrendous violence: one the other hand, we encounter the non-violent teachings and example of Jesus, whose loving, self-sacrificial death and resurrection is held up as the supreme revelation of God’s character in the New Testament. How do we reconcile the tension between these seemingly disparate depictions? Are they even capable of reconciliation? Throughout Christian history, many different answers have been proposed, ranging from the long-rejected explanation that these contrasting depictions are of two entirely different ‘gods’ to recent social and cultural theories of metaphor and narrative representation. The Crucifixion of the Warrior God takes up this dramatic tension and the range of proposed answers in an epic constructive investigation. Over two volumes, renowned theologian and biblical scholar Gregory A. Boyd argues that we must take seriously the full range of Scripture as inspired, including its violent depictions of God. At the same time, we must take just as seriously the absolute centrality of the crucified and risen Christ as the supreme revelation of God. Developing a theological interpretation of Scripture that he labels a “cruciform hermeneutic,” Boyd demonstrates how Scripture’s violent images of God are completely reframed and their violence subverted when they are interpreted through the lens of the cross and resurrection. Indeed, when read through this lens, Boyd argues that these violent depictions can be shown to bear witness to the same self-sacrificial character of God that was supremely revealed on the cross.


Book Synopsis The Crucifixion of the Warrior God by : Gregory A. Boyd

Download or read book The Crucifixion of the Warrior God written by Gregory A. Boyd and published by Fortress Press. This book was released on 2017-04-17 with total page 1487 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A dramatic tension confronts every Christian believer and interpreter of Scripture: on the one hand, we encounter images of God commanding and engaging in horrendous violence: one the other hand, we encounter the non-violent teachings and example of Jesus, whose loving, self-sacrificial death and resurrection is held up as the supreme revelation of God’s character in the New Testament. How do we reconcile the tension between these seemingly disparate depictions? Are they even capable of reconciliation? Throughout Christian history, many different answers have been proposed, ranging from the long-rejected explanation that these contrasting depictions are of two entirely different ‘gods’ to recent social and cultural theories of metaphor and narrative representation. The Crucifixion of the Warrior God takes up this dramatic tension and the range of proposed answers in an epic constructive investigation. Over two volumes, renowned theologian and biblical scholar Gregory A. Boyd argues that we must take seriously the full range of Scripture as inspired, including its violent depictions of God. At the same time, we must take just as seriously the absolute centrality of the crucified and risen Christ as the supreme revelation of God. Developing a theological interpretation of Scripture that he labels a “cruciform hermeneutic,” Boyd demonstrates how Scripture’s violent images of God are completely reframed and their violence subverted when they are interpreted through the lens of the cross and resurrection. Indeed, when read through this lens, Boyd argues that these violent depictions can be shown to bear witness to the same self-sacrificial character of God that was supremely revealed on the cross.

Post-Christendom Studies: Volume 7

Post-Christendom Studies: Volume 7

Author: Steven M. Studebaker

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2023-08-04

Total Pages: 119

ISBN-13: 166678883X

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Post-Christendom Studies publishes research on the nature of Christian identity and mission in the contexts of post-Christendom. Post-Christendom refers to places, both now and in the past, where Christianity was once a significant cultural presence, though not necessarily the dominant religion. Sometimes “Christendom” refers to the official link between church and state. The term “post-Christendom” is often associated with the rise of secularization, religious pluralism, and multiculturalism in western countries over the past sixty years. Our use of the term is broader than that however. Egypt for example can be considered a post-Christendom context. It was once a leading center of Christianity. “Christendom” moreover does not necessarily mean official public and dominant religion. For example, under Saddam Hussein, Christianity was probably a minority religion, but, for the most part, Christians were left alone. After America deposed Saddam, Christians began to flee because they became a persecuted minority. In that sense, post-Saddam Iraq is an experience of post-Christendom—it is a shift from a cultural context in which Christians have more or less freedom to exercise their faith to one where they are persecuted and/or marginalized for doing so.


Book Synopsis Post-Christendom Studies: Volume 7 by : Steven M. Studebaker

Download or read book Post-Christendom Studies: Volume 7 written by Steven M. Studebaker and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2023-08-04 with total page 119 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Post-Christendom Studies publishes research on the nature of Christian identity and mission in the contexts of post-Christendom. Post-Christendom refers to places, both now and in the past, where Christianity was once a significant cultural presence, though not necessarily the dominant religion. Sometimes “Christendom” refers to the official link between church and state. The term “post-Christendom” is often associated with the rise of secularization, religious pluralism, and multiculturalism in western countries over the past sixty years. Our use of the term is broader than that however. Egypt for example can be considered a post-Christendom context. It was once a leading center of Christianity. “Christendom” moreover does not necessarily mean official public and dominant religion. For example, under Saddam Hussein, Christianity was probably a minority religion, but, for the most part, Christians were left alone. After America deposed Saddam, Christians began to flee because they became a persecuted minority. In that sense, post-Saddam Iraq is an experience of post-Christendom—it is a shift from a cultural context in which Christians have more or less freedom to exercise their faith to one where they are persecuted and/or marginalized for doing so.

Challenging to change

Challenging to change

Author: Pieter J. Lalleman

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2020-09-18

Total Pages: 214

ISBN-13: 1725287706

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On 13 May 2009 Dr Nigel G. Wright celebrated his sixtieth birthday. For this occasion friends and colleagues presented him with a Festschrift which reflects his career as a radical baptist leader and theologian. Over the past decades he has played a leading role in the Baptist movement in Britain and worldwide. The contributors to Challenging to change: dialogues with a radical baptist theologian interact with aspects of Wright’s activities and writings so far. The spelling of baptist with a small b in the subtitle of this book reflects Wright’s own usage: baptist refers to the broader tradition of believers’ churches stemming from the radical wing of the European Reformation to which not only ‘Baptist’ churches belong but also Anabaptist, Brethren, Pentecostals, Restorationists and others. This book makes a valuable contribution to the thinking of all baptists about issues such as ministry, Church and state, church planting and evangelical identity. In particular pastors, other church leaders and students will profit hugely from it - and they will be encouraged to pick up Nigel Wright’s own books.


Book Synopsis Challenging to change by : Pieter J. Lalleman

Download or read book Challenging to change written by Pieter J. Lalleman and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2020-09-18 with total page 214 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: On 13 May 2009 Dr Nigel G. Wright celebrated his sixtieth birthday. For this occasion friends and colleagues presented him with a Festschrift which reflects his career as a radical baptist leader and theologian. Over the past decades he has played a leading role in the Baptist movement in Britain and worldwide. The contributors to Challenging to change: dialogues with a radical baptist theologian interact with aspects of Wright’s activities and writings so far. The spelling of baptist with a small b in the subtitle of this book reflects Wright’s own usage: baptist refers to the broader tradition of believers’ churches stemming from the radical wing of the European Reformation to which not only ‘Baptist’ churches belong but also Anabaptist, Brethren, Pentecostals, Restorationists and others. This book makes a valuable contribution to the thinking of all baptists about issues such as ministry, Church and state, church planting and evangelical identity. In particular pastors, other church leaders and students will profit hugely from it - and they will be encouraged to pick up Nigel Wright’s own books.

A Trinitarian Theology of Law

A Trinitarian Theology of Law

Author: David H. McIlroy

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2009-07-01

Total Pages: 282

ISBN-13: 1606088777

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This book explores the neglected significance of the doctrine of the Trinity for the understanding of human law. Through interaction with the thought of Jÿrgen Moltmann, Oliver O'Donovan and Thomas Aquinas, it argues that human law is called to play a positive but limited role in maintaining shallow justice and relative peace. Human law is overshadowed by the work of the Son, included in the purposes of the Father, and used as an instrument by the Holy Spirit. However, the Spirit works in those who are in Christ to effect deep justice, a work of sanctification which culminates in glorification--the experience of perfect, free, willing obedience in heaven. Thinking about law in the light of the Trinity enables us to understand its role, its purposes, and its limits.


Book Synopsis A Trinitarian Theology of Law by : David H. McIlroy

Download or read book A Trinitarian Theology of Law written by David H. McIlroy and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2009-07-01 with total page 282 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book explores the neglected significance of the doctrine of the Trinity for the understanding of human law. Through interaction with the thought of Jÿrgen Moltmann, Oliver O'Donovan and Thomas Aquinas, it argues that human law is called to play a positive but limited role in maintaining shallow justice and relative peace. Human law is overshadowed by the work of the Son, included in the purposes of the Father, and used as an instrument by the Holy Spirit. However, the Spirit works in those who are in Christ to effect deep justice, a work of sanctification which culminates in glorification--the experience of perfect, free, willing obedience in heaven. Thinking about law in the light of the Trinity enables us to understand its role, its purposes, and its limits.

Gathering Disciples

Gathering Disciples

Author: Myra Blyth

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2017-02-08

Total Pages: 286

ISBN-13: 1498231578

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This collection of essays by British Baptists honors the work of Christopher Ellis amongst the Baptist community, recognizing in particular the contribution he has made to the practice and theology of Free Church worship. The book takes a selection of his hymns as a starting point for reflection on areas of worship, discipleship, the sacraments, and theology.


Book Synopsis Gathering Disciples by : Myra Blyth

Download or read book Gathering Disciples written by Myra Blyth and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2017-02-08 with total page 286 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This collection of essays by British Baptists honors the work of Christopher Ellis amongst the Baptist community, recognizing in particular the contribution he has made to the practice and theology of Free Church worship. The book takes a selection of his hymns as a starting point for reflection on areas of worship, discipleship, the sacraments, and theology.