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Christianity for the Rest of Us

Author: Diana Butler Bass

Publisher: Harper Collins

Published: 2009-10-13

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 0061741280

For decades the accepted wisdom has been that America's mainline Protestant churches are in decline, eclipsed by evangelical mega-churches. Church and religion expert Diana Butler Bass wondered if this was true, and this book is the result of her extensive, three-year study of centrist and progressive churches across the country. Her surprising findings reveal just the opposite—that many of the churches are flourishing, and they are doing so without resorting to mimicking the mega-church, evangelical style. Christianity for the Rest of Us describes this phenomenon and offers a how-to approach for Protestants eager to remain faithful to their tradition while becoming a vital spiritual community. As Butler Bass delved into the rich spiritual life of various Episcopal, United Methodist, Disciples of Christ, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, and Lutheran churches, certain consistent practices—such as hospitality, contemplation, diversity, justice, discernment, and worship—emerged as core expressions of congregations seeking to rediscover authentic Christian faith and witness today. This hopeful book, which includes a study guide for groups and individuals, reveals the practical steps that leaders and laypeople alike are taking to proclaim an alternative message about an emerging Christianity that strives for greater spiritual depth and proactively engages the needs of the world.

Christianity After Religion

Author: Diana Butler Bass

Publisher: Harper Collins

Published: 2012-03-13

Total Pages: 285

ISBN-13: 0062098284

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Diana Butler Bass, one of contemporary Christianity’s leading trend-spotters, exposes how the failings of the church today are giving rise to a new “spiritual but not religious” movement. Using evidence from the latest national polls and from her own cutting-edge research, Bass, the visionary author of A People’s History of Christianity, continues the conversation began in books like Brian D. McLaren’s A New Kind of Christianity and Harvey Cox’s The Future of Faith, examining the connections—and the divisions—between theology, practice, and community that Christians experience today. Bass’s clearly worded, powerful, and probing Christianity After Religion is required reading for anyone invested in the future of Christianity.

Hebrew for the Rest of Us

Author: Lee M. Fields

Publisher: Zondervan

Published: 2009-12-15

Total Pages: 304

ISBN-13: 0310590590

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This is a companion volume to Greek for the Rest of Us by William D. Mounce. This book is a guide for English-only readers to understand the language of the Old Testament just enough to work with the Old Testament in more detail and to understand the scholarly literature on the Hebrew Bible. Its specific aims are to aid students to learn (1) why translations differ, (2) how to do Hebrew word studies, (3) what the basics of Hebrew exegesis are, and (4) how to read more advanced Old Testament commentaries with greater understanding. Herbrew for the Rest of Us is set up in a workbook format.

Rebel

Author: Annette Hyslop

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2017-04-11

Total Pages: 112

ISBN-13: 9781544852652

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If you go to church just to be seen there, you're going for the wrong reason. God cares little for appearances; if you don't feel moved by sermons, hymns, and stained glass, then maybe you shouldn't be at church. In Rebel: Christianity for the Rest of Us, Annette Hyslop focuses on what truly makes a Christian. Funnily enough, it has little to do with church attendance. Rather, it's about a personal connection with the faith and with God. You may not develop this connection in a man-made church; instead, you might feel God in nature or within the warmth of your family home. Instead of feeling guilty about skipping church, Annette Hyslop suggests that you find your own creative ways to worship. She supports her view with lines from scripture and draws lessons from the nature-loving Celtic Christians. There is no hierarchy among believers: either you're a Christian or you aren't. Though attending church is helpful and important for many Christians, others find spiritual fulfillment elsewhere. This book encourages you to worship God however you want. In short, be a rebel.

A People's History of Christianity

Author: Diana Butler Bass

Publisher: Harper Collins

Published: 2009-03-03

Total Pages: 374

ISBN-13: 0061448702

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For too long, the history of Christianity has been told as the triumph of orthodox doctrine imposed through power and hierarchy. In A People's History of Christianity, historian and religion expert Diana Butler Bass reveals an alternate history that includes a deep social ethic and far-reaching inclusivity: "the other side of the story" is not a modern phenomenon, but has always been practiced within the church. Butler Bass persuasively argues that corrective—even subversive—beliefs and practices have always been hallmarks of Christianity and are necessary to nourish communities of faith. In the same spirit as Howard Zinn's groundbreaking work The People's History of the United States, Butler Bass's A People's History of Christianity brings to life the movements, personalities, and spiritual disciplines that have always informed and ignited Christian worship and social activism. A People's History of Christianity authenticates the vital, emerging Christian movements of our time, providing the historical evidence that celebrates these movements as thoroughly Christian and faithful to the mission and message of Jesus.

Has American Christianity Failed?

Author: Bryan Wolfmueller

Publisher:

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780758649416

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"Wolfmueller sounds the alarm against the false teaching and dangerous practices of Christianity in America. He offers a beautiful alternative: the sweet savor of the Gospel, which brings us to to the real comfort, joy, peace, freedom, and sure hope of Christ." -- Back cover

At Home in the World

Author: Margaret Guenther

Publisher: Church Publishing, Inc.

Published: 2006-04

Total Pages: 193

ISBN-13: 1596270268

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A thoughtful, real-world interpretation of the Rule of St. Benedict to guide us into a more balanced life. From informal versions of the Rule of St. Benedict to Twelve-Step groups and Weight Watchers, the basic human need for guidance and structure in the quest for wholeness is palpable and real. Out of her long experience as a spiritual director, mentor, and teacher, Margaret Guenther offers a warm and sensible guide for “the rest of us”—singles, couples, parents, extended families, members of churches—to create a helpful and balanced rule of life to help us in our search for faith. She explores ancient and contemporary meanings for the classic vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, along with the distinctively Benedictine ethos of stability and conversion, pointing out the pitfalls of each. A series of short essays follows on the different elements of a rule of life—such as authority, money, pleasure, stinginess, friends, enemies, and living through hard times. The final chapter gives practical ideas for crafting a rule of life that encourages each of us to grow, stretch, and flourish.

God's Love for the Rest of Us

Author: Vince Antonucci

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Published: 2015

Total Pages: 81

ISBN-13: 1496410580

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The world is filled with the walking dead. They're not fully dead. They're kind of alive—walking, talking, and drinking coffee. But their hearts have become deadened. Their souls are dry, yearning to be sparked alive by God's love. Many of us are like this: sleepwalking through life, inadvertently missing hidden invitations from God in our daily lives. God wants to love each of us back to life. The question is: Will you let Him?

Simple Theology: Theology for the Rest of Us

Author: Clay A. Kahler

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2002-02-11

Total Pages: 209

ISBN-13: 1579108873

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Clay A. Kahler is the founder of "Sharing the Word Ministries," which includes the radio program "Sharing the Word," heard in Ray County Missouri. He is the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Orrick, Missouri. Clay is the author of Simple Theology: Theology for the Rest of Us and Against Protestant Popes. He has written for Preaching Magazine Christianity Today and To His Glory. Clay served on the faculty of the Southwest College of Biblical Studies in Pine Valley, California, and as an adjunct faculty member at the Southern California Bible College & Seminary. He now teaches Bible and Theology at Carver Baptist Bible College in Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to entering the ministry, Pastor Kahler served in the United States Army, including service during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Following his service in the Army, he began a career in Law Enforcement. He worked for 4 years with Village West Police as a Patrolman and as a trainer. He was recruited away from the Department and into corrections and became the Director of Training and CERT Team Commander in a Federal Prison in San Diego, California. Clay has earned his Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Religious Studies and a Master of Arts Degree from Southern California Bible College & Seminary.

30 Words

Author: Jarrid Wilson

Publisher: Kirkdale Press

Published: 2016-12-07

Total Pages: 208

ISBN-13: 1577997638

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More than anything, our God wants us to spend time with him. But in a culture of instant downloads and drive-through lattes, we learn that faster is better and slowing down is not an option. If we look carefully at Scripture, though, we see God has calling us to live intentionally—relationally—with him. 30 Words includes verses for meditation, discussion questions for group study or personal reflection, and quotes from Christian leaders. Each day, you'll focus on a single word that can teach us about God and daily relationship with him. And along the way, you’ll find encouragement to open your heart, mind, and soul to God—helping you build a habit of spiritual development with the power to transform your life and faith.