Big change starts with small acts.What if the most profound changes in justice ministry come not from grand gestures, but from the small, faithful acts we practice every day? Micro Practices for Justice Ministry is a powerful resource that challenges the idea that only big, sweeping actions lead to real change. In this inspiring book, you'll discover how small, everyday acts—done well and consistently—can transform justice ministry in profound ways. Drawing on interviews with 40 pastors from diverse ministry contexts, this book highlights how micro practices—simple, intentional actions—have the power to reshape communities and advance justice.Rooted in scripture and theology, Micro Practices for Justice Ministry presents hundreds of actionable practices that can be easily integrated into everyday ministry. From one-on-one conversations to small group efforts, these seemingly small actions, when practiced consistently, build momentum that drives meaningful change. Each practice is shared through engaging narrative stories, bringing the experiences of real pastors to life and demonstrating the lasting impact of doing the "small stuff" with intention.Perfect for clergy, laity, and community organizers alike, this book offers both practical tools and spiritual encouragement for those committed to justice. Whether you're leading a congregation, working in your community, or studying ministry, this book will help you see that real transformation often starts with the smallest of steps."Tex Sample makes a convincing case for how small acts of community building enable big-picture change. Faith leaders on the lookout for fresh ideas will be inspired." —Publishers Weekly Read more

Understanding the beliefs and practices of other faiths is essential not just to the task of interreligious dialogue, but also to grasping one's own faith.In this brief volume in IVP Academic's Introductions in Seven Sentences, philosopher Douglas Groothuis creatively uses a single sentence representing each of several world religions as a way to open readers to their depth and complexity, including:Atheism: "God Is Dead."Judaism: "I Am Who I Am."Hinduism: "You Are That."Buddhism: "Life Is Suffering."Daoism: "The Dao That Can Be Spoken Is Not the Eternal Dao."Christianity: "Before Abraham Was, I Am."Islam: "There Is One God, and Mohammad Is His Prophet."With a sympathetic but not uncritical approach, Groothuis welcomes readers to a vital and global conversation.The accessible primers in the Introductions in Seven Sentences collection act as brief introductions to an academic field, with simple organization: seven key sentences that give readers a birds-eye view of an entire discipline. Read more

A theologian explores the holidays and rituals of his wife’s Jewish faith in an “accessible and engaging” memoir told “with humor and a scholar’s insight” (Los Angeles Times).As a member of an interfaith household, eminent Christian theologian, and religion scholar, National Book Award finalist Harvey Cox has had ample opportunity to reflect upon the essence of Judaism and its complex relationship to Christianity. Organized around the Jewish calendar from Rosh Hashanah to Yom ha-Atzmaíut, Common Prayers illuminates the meanings of Jewish holidays as well as traditions surrounding milestone events such as death and marriage. Describing in elegant, accessible language the holidays’ personal, historical, and spiritual significance and the lessons they offer us, Cox “is instructive and enlightening, revealing the depth and passion of his religious thought and practice” (Boston Herald). As seen through his eyes, the Jewish holidays offer a wellspring of discovery and reflection for every reader, Jewish and non-Jewish alike.“Cox not only provides a clear guide to Judaism for ‘perplexed gentiles’ but convincingly argues that ‘appreciating Judaism, both its history and its present manifestation, is essential to a full understanding of Christianity’ . . . An important new book by a major theologian; highly recommended.” —Library Journal “Cox’s insights into Judaism and Christianity, as both an insider and an outsider, are dazzling.” —Orlando Sentinel Read more

Although the roots of Christianity run deep into Hebrew soil, many Christians remain regrettably uninformed about the rich Jewish heritage of the church. Our Father Abraham delineates the vital link between Judaism and Christianity, exemplified by the common ancestry of the two faiths traceable back to Abraham. Marvin Wilson calls Christians to reexamine their Semitic heritage to regain a more authentically biblical understanding of what they believe and practice. Wilson, a trusted voice among both Jews and Christians, speaks to both past and present, first developing a historical perspective on the Jewish origins of the church and then discussing how the church can become more attuned to the Hebraic mindset of Scripture. Drawing from his own extensive experience, he also offers valuable practical guidance for salutary interaction between Christians and Jews. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter make this book especially suitable for use in groups—Christian, Jewish, or interfaith—as readers strive to make sense of their own faith in connection with the other. The second edition of Our Father Abraham features a new preface, an expanded bibliography of recent relevant works, and two new chapters: one that discusses Jewish-Christian relations after the Holocaust and another that reflects on Wilson’s own fifty-plus-year career as an evangelical Christian deeply committed to interfaith dialogue. As Christians and Jews feel a growing need for mutual support in an increasingly secular Western world, Wilson’s widely acclaimed book will offer encouragement and wise guidance toward this worthy end. Read more

Alberto Parte 2Alberto nos cuenta cómo se infiltraba en las orginizaciones protestantes para destuirlas. Read more

The Roman Catholic tradition in Christianity is breathtaking, complex, and rich in insight about what it means to follow God. But what does it look like to claim this tradition as one's own? And how does this intersect with the reality of our daily and personal lives?In this vulnerable and succinct volume, theologian Matthew Levering addresses the heart of these questions. Bringing together personal memoir and theology, he reflects on why he identifies as Roman Catholic, and considers how this tradition addresses what it means to follow and participate in the life of the Triune God as a finite creature. Rather than shy away from the challenges this tradition presents, Levering presses into these challenges to offer an honest yet hopeful account of being Roman Catholic.'The Ecumenical Dialogue Series' seeks to foster ecumenical dialogue across theological differences. In each volume, contributors explore what it means to be Christian, what it means to identify with a specific tradition in Christianity (Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox), the challenges and benefits of their tradition, and how they can create dialogue and unity across historically tense division. Read more

In After Our Likeness, the inaugural volume in the Sacra Doctrina series, Miroslav Volf explores the relationship between persons and community in Christian theology. The focus is the community of grace, the Christian church. The point of departure is the thought of the first Baptist, John Smyth, and the notion of church as "gathered community" that he shared with Radical Reformers.Volf seeks to counter the tendencies toward individualism in Protestant ecclesiology and to suggest a viable understanding of the church in which both person and community are given their proper due. In the process he engages in a sustained and critical ecumenical dialogue with the Catholic and Orthodox ecclesiologies of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger and the metropolitan John Zizioulas. The result is a brilliant ecumenical study that spells out a vision of the church as an image of the triune God. Read more

Bruce Epperly believes that God invites us to affirm religious pluralism while remaining faithful to the way of Jesus and the prophetic spirit of Christianity. Unique among texts on religious pluralism, The Elephant is Running integrates theological reflection, encounters with the wisdom world’s spiritual traditions, the author’s personal experience as a spiritual adventurer, and inspirational and innovative spiritual practices. Read more

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A breathtaking exploration of divine love in Christianity, Islam and Hinduism—and the writings of leading mystics from these traditions—culminating in a glorious universal path of love that is illuminated equally by modern science and ancient wisdom.There is a unified call from all religions for the human soul to follow a profound path of love that leads to union with God. Belonging to God examines the commonalities in the scriptures, writings of key mystics and core practices of Christianity, Islam and Hinduism in order to illuminate a clear universal path of divine love. It weaves the common spiritual threads into an elegant theological framework, drawing on recent scientific advances in fractal geometry and quantum physics to emphasize the transforming fire that burns on every level from macrocosm to the microcosm, thereby uniting the human soul with the heart of God. Combining decades of Eastern and Western contemplative practice with scientific research, Belonging to God concludes with twelve principles of divine love that point toward a universal spiritual path of the heart, both within and beyond the religions.Easy to comprehend and uplifting to read, this interfaith journey will appeal to seekers of all faiths interested in the path of love that bridges the world religions, as well as to believers within the Christian, Hindu and Islamic traditions who are eager to learn exactly how their particular faith intersects in a deep way with other religions. Belonging to God will also inspire students of perennial wisdom, comparative mysticism and the new science, and the large number of "spiritual but not religious" seekers who yearn for a universal path of divine love that honors—yet transcends—traditional religions. Read more

Within is a poetic symphony in seven movements. Bridging science, philosophy, and religion, it examines such questions as: Does God exist? What is God? Does mathematics bring us to God? Does evolution bring us to God? In dialogue form, it discusses philosophical ideas drawn from Plato, Augustine, Aquinas, and Leibniz, and also celebrates the great Carmelite Doctors Thérèse of Lisieux, Teresa of Avila, and John of the Cross.The story unfoldsin a limitless library surrounded by a garden of Forms. We encounter a blind librarian, an ocean of Truth, and a cathedral of Infinity. Rising ever higher, the garden scales hills and mountain ranges. The mystery of the library and what it signifies permeates all seven movements. Only at the end will we find a resolution. Read more

Parallel Paths to Peace Brother Lawrence’s famous work, The Practice of the Presence of God, is broken into bite-size pieces and paired with the writings of some of the greatest Zen teachers, from the Buddha to the Dalai Lama. The result sheds new light on this great Christian classic, offering profoundly practical insights for the spiritual life. “You could read this book in an hour, but take the rest of your life to absorb its wisdom. It will help you ‘become a master of your own bliss, a chemist of your own joy.’ In a time when religious misunderstanding abounds, this book is a bridge between traditions. I wish every Christian would read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the teaching of Brother Lawrence, Christian Zen Master, here illuminated by the richness of Buddhist texts.” --the Rev. Mark Giroux, Rector, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Chenango Bridge, New York; Member of the Children of Abraham (a continuing interfaith conversation of Jews, Christians, and Muslims); Member of the Broome County Interfaith Clergy Collective Read more

As humanity struggles, five friends find a way to travel back in time to contact Enlightened Teachers from various spiritual traditions. These Teachers share their wisdom with the friends, who return to the present with the goal of sharing it with the world. Can Enlightened messengers help pull the people of the earth back from the edge?A Living Lighthouse is a divine journey into the hearts of devoted helpers. If you like insights from influential figures, palpable optimism, and true inspiration, then you’ll be heartened by Richard Dietrich Maddox’s beautiful story.Read A Living Lighthouse to discover a beacon of hope today! Read more

A properly ecumenical theology, T. F. Torrance believed, points the church to Christ as the only source and reality of its own unity. Its only hope for unity must be discovered in him and unveiled to the church, rather than pieced together and manufactured through ecumenical slogans and well-meaning intentions. Acting on this belief, Torrance initiated an international dialogue of Reformed and Orthodox Churches, which culminated when the World Alliance of Reformed Churches and the Orthodox Church issued a groundbreaking joint statement of agreement concerning the Trinity in 1991, a move beyond the filioque controversy that has divided East and West for a millennium. The current volume on T. F. Torrance and Eastern Orthodoxy continues the theological and ecclesial work of the reintegration of Western and Eastern traditions on a classical patristic foundation."This book celebrates and extends T. F. Torrance's significant and formative engagement with Patristic and Orthodox thought. It is a groundbreaking and exemplary achievement." --Khaled Anatolios, University of Notre Dame"This volume is essential reading for scholars of Torrance's thought and will be of major interest to students of Orthodox theology and ecumenism." --Alan Torrance, University of St. Andrews"The appearance of this book marks . . . a new chapter in contemporary theological and ecumenical conversation. . . . A new path is being charted for ecclesial theology in the service of Christ and his Gospel." --George Hunsinger, Princeton Theological Seminary"A fitting tribute to a remarkable man." --Andrew Louth, University of Durham"In our paradoxical situation of globalization that has led to increased fragmentation, and at a time when the fervent ecumenical hope for Christian unity has long since passed, the appearance of this book is both timely and urgent." --Aristotle Papanikolaou, Fordham University"Truly a 'landmark volume.' The editors, Dr. Todd Speidell and Fr. Matthew Baker of righteous memory, have put us all in their debt." --John A. McGuckin. Columbia University"This is a rich and revelatory volume. . . . Scholars and students from East and West alike will find this an immensely stimulating read."--Marcus Plested, Marquette UniversityFr. Matthew Baker (Ph.D., Fordham University) was a Greek Orthodox priest at Holy Trinity Parish in Norwich, CT, a committee member of The Fr. Georges Florovsky Orthodox Christian Theological Society, and Associate Editor of Participatio: The Journal of the Thomas F. Torrance Theological Fellowship. Todd Speidell (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is Editor of Participatio: The Journal of the Thomas F. Torrance Theological Fellowship, General Editor of The Ray S. Anderson Collection (Wipf & Stock), and Adjunct Professor of Theology at Montreat College. Read more

Wendy Cadge and Shelly Rambo demonstrate the urgent need, highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, to position the long history and practice of chaplaincy within the rapidly changing landscape of American religion and spirituality. This book provides a much-needed road map for training and renewing chaplains across a professional continuum that spans major sectors of American society, including hospitals, prisons, universities, the military, and nursing homes.Written by a team of multidisciplinary experts and drawing on ongoing research at the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab at Brandeis University, Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care in the Twenty-First Century identifies three central competencies—individual, organizational, and meaning-making—that all chaplains must have, and it provides the resources for building those skills. Featuring profiles of working chaplains, the book positions intersectional issues of religious diversity, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and other markers of identity as central to the future of chaplaincy as a profession. Read more

Enmity between the church and the world dates from the Fall of man, so God says in Genesis 3.15. Satan's major strategy is the overthrow of the church by the world, through infiltration and contamination.But seldom has this battle reached the proportions of this present hour, when worldliness threatens every believer and church. And so subtle is the enemy that fatal compromise now comes with an appearance of sound doctrine - in an apparent resurgence of the very best of Reformation and Puritan teaching.This book reveals the new 'gospel' of the so-called 'new Calvinism'. It is a gospel that changes the terms of salvation, and that loves the world and embraces its culture.Here are the objective of the new Calvinists, taken from their own words. Read more

A Comprehensive Overview of Christianity and IslamTogether, the adherents of Christianity and Islam make up over half of the world's population, and their numbers are expected to keep growing. The influence of these two faiths—and their relations with each other—is seen in politics, economics, and social interactions. Religious identity and aspirations remain powerful and appealing to people around the world. Understanding global realities today requires understanding the histories and dynamics of the world’s largest religions.This book provides a comprehensive overview of Christianity and Islam, covering three interrelated areas:historical developments and encounters,the influence of religion on politics,and religious beliefs and worldviews.Wafik W. Wahba highlights key points of similarity and difference and particular factors that contributed to divergence between the Western world and the Muslim world. Exploring the various narratives that have shaped both Christianity and Islam, he argues, is crucial to understanding current trends in Christian-Muslim interactions and their impact on future relations between the two communities globally.Drawing from decades of experience teaching around the world, Wahba clarifies core beliefs that influence the actions of Muslims and Christians and their attitudes toward the other faith. This book demonstrates how learning from the past should help us avoid repeating mistakes in interactions between religious communities. Read more

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We all love stories, especially mysteries. When we were young children, our parents, grandparents, or friends would read us stories. Stories and mysteries are passed down from generation to generation. This book is about a story and a mystery, and who doesn’t love a good mystery?The Parable of the Four Soils concerns a sower (Jesus) who scatters seed (The Word), which falls on four different types of ground (the hearts of people). The wayside soil (the closed, hardened, and neglected heart) prevents the seed from sprouting at all, and the seed becomes nothing more than bird food. The stony soil (the careless heart) provides enough soil for the seeds to germinate and begin to grow, but because there is “no deepness of earth,” the plants are soon withered in the sun (trials and persecution). The thorny soil (the crowded heart) allows the seed to grow, but the four competing thorns choke the life out of the young plants. The good soil (the cultivated heart) receives the seed and produces much fruit. What has all of this to do with knowing the keys to the kingdom of God? It’s in the book “The Parable of the Four Soils.” Come, take a fresh look at an old story. Read more

Did the pope support Hitler?Aren’t Christmas, Easter, and other holidays stolen from pagan feasts?Doesn’t the use of statues and idolatrous religious art prove that Catholics worship Mary and the saints?Isn’t Catholic history one long string of oppression, from native peoples subjected by missionaries to innocent women, scientists, and non-believers burned at the stake?When you have been around for 2,000 years like the Catholic Church, there are bound to be some crazy rumors about you. Some are ancient, re-warmed from age to age by the Church’s enemies; others are modern, kept afloat by the mounting ignorance of an increasingly secular society. 20 Answers: Anti-Catholic Myths looks at some of the most persistent of those myths, both historical and theological, serious and silly, that continue to be voiced to our day, and shows you how to defend the Church from the lies.The 20 Answers Series from Catholic Answers offers hard facts, powerful arguments, and clear explanations of the most important topics facing the Church and the world—all in a compact, easy-to-read package. Check out dozens of other topics in the 20 Answers Series of booklets published by Catholic Answers Press Read more