Faith Facing Reality

Faith Facing Reality PDF

Author: John W. de Gruchy

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2022-10-21

Total Pages: 191

ISBN-13: 1666795631

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The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have starkly reminded us of the realities that threaten our future on planet Earth. Christian faith is not a way of escaping these realities, but of engaging them in the struggle for justice and peace—motivated by love, enabled by faith and sustained by hope. This is based on the conviction that in Jesus Christ the reality of God has become redemptively embodied within the reality of the world. Written within the context of South Africa but with global vision, and in conversation with the legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this book is an attempt to stir up discussion and inform action in connecting worldly and transcendent reality. Inevitably this will be controversial, not least because that is something that Bonhoeffer risked. This is certainly true when it comes to the five realities that provide much of the book’s substance: the persistence of racism, the will-to-power, scientism and soulless technology, the conflict in Israel-Palestine, and the threat of wars and pandemics. Is it possible to believe in the God of Jesus Christ in such a world? If so, what does that mean, and how does it help us live creatively, redemptively, and faithfully? To answer these questions, the author examines the meaning of faith; the human desire for transcendence; and the need for conversion, wisdom, solidarity, and responsible freedom.

Faith Facing Reality

Faith Facing Reality PDF

Author: John W. de Gruchy

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2022-10-21

Total Pages: 191

ISBN-13: 1666736805

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The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have starkly reminded us of the realities that threaten our future on planet Earth. Christian faith is not a way of escaping these realities, but of engaging them in the struggle for justice and peace—motivated by love, enabled by faith and sustained by hope. This is based on the conviction that in Jesus Christ the reality of God has become redemptively embodied within the reality of the world. Written within the context of South Africa but with global vision, and in conversation with the legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this book is an attempt to stir up discussion and inform action in connecting worldly and transcendent reality. Inevitably this will be controversial, not least because that is something that Bonhoeffer risked. This is certainly true when it comes to the five realities that provide much of the book’s substance: the persistence of racism, the will-to-power, scientism and soulless technology, the conflict in Israel-Palestine, and the threat of wars and pandemics. Is it possible to believe in the God of Jesus Christ in such a world? If so, what does that mean, and how does it help us live creatively, redemptively, and faithfully? To answer these questions, the author examines the meaning of faith; the human desire for transcendence; and the need for conversion, wisdom, solidarity, and responsible freedom.

Faith in the Face of Empire

Faith in the Face of Empire PDF

Author: RAHEB

Publisher: Orbis Books

Published: 2014-02-10

Total Pages: 128

ISBN-13: 1608334333

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A Palestinian Christian theologian shows how the reality of empire shapes the context of the biblical story, and the ongoing experience of Middle East conflict.

Facing Reality

Facing Reality PDF

Author: Charles Murray

Publisher: Encounter Books

Published: 2021-06-15

Total Pages: 118

ISBN-13: 1641771984

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The charges of white privilege and systemic racism that are tearing the country apart fIoat free of reality. Two known facts, long since documented beyond reasonable doubt, need to be brought into the open and incorporated into the way we think about public policy: American whites, blacks, Hispanics, and Asians have different violent crime rates and different means and distributions of cognitive ability. The allegations of racism in policing, college admissions, segregation in housing, and hiring and promotions in the workplace ignore the ways in which the problems that prompt the allegations of systemic racism are driven by these two realities. What good can come of bringing them into the open? America’s most precious ideal is what used to be known as the American Creed: People are not to be judged by where they came from, what social class they come from, or by race, color, or creed. They must be judged as individuals. The prevailing Progressive ideology repudiates that ideal, demanding instead that the state should judge people by their race, social origins, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. We on the center left and center right who are the American Creed’s natural defenders have painted ourselves into a corner. We have been unwilling to say openly that different groups have significant group differences. Since we have not been willing to say that, we have been left defenseless against the claims that racism is to blame. What else could it be? We have been afraid to answer. We must. Facing Reality is a step in that direction.

Lighthouse Faith

Lighthouse Faith PDF

Author: Lauren Green

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Published: 2017-03-14

Total Pages: 256

ISBN-13: 0718083407

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Is God Just a Distant Concept? An Award-Winning Religion Correspondent is Convinced the Answer is No and Explores the Possible Relationship with Our Creator Fox News Religion Correspondent Lauren Green uses her wealth of stories, vast network of contacts, and her own extensive study of theology to take the reader on a unique journey of spiritual discovery. With few female authors writing in the field of theology, Green provides an important perspective to all who wish to move closer to not only a deeper relationship with God but an understanding of what makes that possible. Green gathers insight from some amazing guides along the way, through personal conversations with some of the leading minds in the world on the topic of Christianity. These include: Timothy Keller John Piper Alister McGrath William Lane Craig John Lennox Sir John Polkinghorne Amy Beckman Elizabeth Lev … and many more Is God simply an accessory that we carry with us? Something similar to what we might download from a music site to suit our personal tastes—a personal assistant in a way? Or is He His law, His structure, and His authoritative Word contained in the Holy Scripture, an objective reality to which you daily shape your life? If we believe or know we should believe that it’s the latter, how do we make this happen? How do we live joyfully under God’s will in a world so drenched in the will of human desire? Lighthouse Faith explores the heart of the Christian doctrine and a pathway of perceiving God as an interactive hands-on presence; a caring and loving being. The first commandment is a life-giving force loaded with information about the world in which we live. This law stands atop the other nine commandments as a beacon of light, illuminating the created order, just as a lighthouse lamp shines in a darkened space, heralding a way to safety.

Doxology and Theology

Doxology and Theology PDF

Author: Matt Boswell

Publisher: B&H Publishing Group

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 256

ISBN-13: 1433679728

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Beyond sound equipment and music charts, eleven noted worship leaders from around the United States write about the ministerial part of their work as it relates to the gospel, mission, disciple-making, liturgy, the Trinity, justice, creativity, family, and more.

On Death

On Death PDF

Author: Timothy Keller

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2020-03-03

Total Pages: 130

ISBN-13: 0143135376

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From New York Times bestselling author and pastor Timothy Keller, a book about facing the death of loved ones, as well as our own inevitable death Significant events such as birth, marriage, and death are milestones in our lives in which we experience our greatest happiness and our deepest grief. And so it is profoundly important to understand how to approach and experience these occasions with grace, endurance, and joy. In a culture that does its best to deny death, Timothy Keller--theologian and bestselling author--teaches us about facing death with the resources of faith from the Bible. With wisdom and compassion, Keller finds in the Bible an alternative to both despair or denial. A short, powerful book, On Death gives us the tools to understand the meaning of death within God's vision of life.

Faith in the Face of Militarization

Faith in the Face of Militarization PDF

Author: Jude Lal Fernando

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2021-04-05

Total Pages: 289

ISBN-13: 1725284006

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What does believing mean in the face of empire and militarization? These essays articulate the critical and liberating consciousness shared by oppressed peoples across the world, arising from a faith in the God of the oppressed, expressed in radically diverse ways, and resisting the imperialist deities of materialism (read: economic growth), racism, and militarization that falsely appear as the saviors of humanity. The authors confront these false gods--which form the modern empire--worshiped by the most dominant militarized states in the world and followed by their allied states even in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. Out of the eleven articles, two are written by critical political analysts with an anti-colonial lens while recognizing the importance of faith in resistance. The rest are written by theologians who critically reflect on their faith within the context of empire and militarization in their societies. Militarization is among the most brutal forms of oppression on the resisting peoples. The theologies that have emerged from critical reflections on their collective experiences are grounded on a material spirituality as opposed to materialistic, racist, and militaristic godlessness. This collection has emerged out of creative and transformative practices in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Pacific, and the US. The essays are divided it into four sections in recognizing some of the key features of material spirituality; indigenous, feminist and interreligious voices, and horizontal solidarity. With contributions from: Michael Lujan Bevacqua Wati Longchar Nidia Arrobo Rodas Rasika Sharmen Pieris Lilian Cheelo Siwila Young-Bock Kim Dan Gonzales-Ortega Erin Shea Martin Mark Braverman Joshua Samuel Phil Miller

Faith in the Face of COVID-19

Faith in the Face of COVID-19 PDF

Author: Christina Ray Stanton

Publisher:

Published: 2020-10-12

Total Pages: 200

ISBN-13: 9781733745239

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She Endured 9/11 . . . Would She Survive COVID-19? It was March 2020, and rumors of a mysterious virus filled the air. But busy New York City tour guide Christina Ray Stanton paid little attention. After all, she and her husband had survived 9/11; it would take more than a virus to slow them--or their city--down. But within days, Stanton saw her beloved Manhattan become a ghost town as fear of the novel coronavirus swept the nation. Seeking safety, she and her husband left the city to stay with family in Florida. They didn't realize that rather than escaping the storm, they were heading into the eye of the hurricane: Stanton was already infected with COVID-19 and would soon be fighting for her life from a hospital bed hundreds of miles from home. In this unforgettable first-person account, Stanton shares the physical, mental and emotional agony she endured as the virus ravaged her body. Given a 50/50 chance of survival, she didn't lose hope. She relied on her community and her faith to sustain her through the painful journey. Along the way, she learned new lessons in gratitude, emerging stronger, more resilient, and with a renewed sense of purpose. This stirring story of one woman's battle with COVID-19 will inspire anyone whose life has been touched by the coronavirus pandemic or who has endured hardship. Discover the power of faith, family and friends to help us survive our darkest days.

Future Faith

Future Faith PDF

Author: Wesley Granberg-Michaelson

Publisher: Fortress Press

Published: 2018-03-23

Total Pages: 261

ISBN-13: 1506438199

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In Future Faith: Ten Challenges Reshaping the Practice of Christianity, author Wesley Granberg-Michaelson provides a lucid view of how the top ten winds of change blowing through global Christian faith are reshaping the practice of Christianity today. He is uniquely qualified to identify and interpret connection points between global Christian trends and the American church. Drawing on the stories, examples, and personalities of pastors and congregations from throughout the U.S. as well as those from Africa, Asia, Latin America, who are the faces of Christianity's future, Future Faith is designed to inform and empower followers of Jesus to seek new ways of becoming the face of Christ to a rapidly changing world. Leaders and practitioners in church growth, renewal, and planting will be a primary audience for this book. Students of religion from Catholic, evangelical, Pentecostal, and historic Protestant streams will find this book an informative and stimulating resource for pondering together the future of their faith. Small groups engaged in congregational nurture and growth will find in the author a welcome companion for guiding them through the multi-cultural landscape of contemporary faith.