"If God is the creator of all, might creation itself not provide us with ways of seeing God that enrich our understanding--that connect our desire for God with our life in creation?
Natural theology has been a feature of Christian thinking for centuries, but it has also been misunderstood and maligned. What exactly is natural theology, and how might it help us in our pursuit to know and understand God?
In Understanding Natural Theology, theologian and scholar Christopher R. Brewer considers several different versions of natural theology and their proponents, including David Brown, Alvin Plantinga, C. Stephen Evans, Thomas F. Torrance, and even Karl Barth, a noted critic of natural theology. Through this study, readers will come to understand not only what natural theology is but also how it can serve in our collective pursuit to understand God."
"Scripture can play a unique and profound role in the lives of abuse survivors. It can be a powerful instrument for healing or harm. Unfortunately, it is most often a source of great harm. In over two decades of abuse ministry Steve Tracy's ministry, Mending the Soul, has found that some of the most extensive trauma harm is experienced by survivors who had Scripture misused against them by abusers or the abusers' collaborators. Sometimes survivors misuse Scripture against themselves. Furthermore, well-meaning family members and pastors are often inadequately equipped to apply relevant biblical texts to abuse survivors' needs. Even fewer are able to refute the most common, harmful misuses of Scripture. This book is designed to address this glaring need.
The first section lays the foundation for the rest of the book by briefly surveying the complex richness of Scripture and then give basic principles for proper biblical interpretation. The second section of the book surveys key biblical texts most commonly misused against survivors organizing them by topic (the family, church, etc.). Steve Tracy shows how key biblical texts have been misused and then explains what those texts do and do not mean. When possible, he also shows how these texts are applicable to and helpful for survivors. The last section surveys, by category, key biblical texts which are most helpful for abuse survivors' protection and healing. Finally, the book includes appendices surveying biblical teaching on various abuse-related topics."
"What is the Christian life? What does it mean to live life in Christ?
In this volume in Zondervan Academic's New Studies in Dogmatics series, theologian Kelly M. Kapic reflects on the Christian life: its foundation, its nourishment, and its goal.
Kapic contends that the Christian life is, first and foremost, one that is lived in response to the love of the triune God. It thus flows from God toward us, and we are then drawn back into communion with God. As those united to God through Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit, Christians are enabled to respond to God's love. Shaped further by the community of faith, especially through corporate worship, Christians thus participate in this love of God and neighbor. What is true of the whole discipline of theology is thus reflected in the Christian life: Christ is its foundation, Christ is its source of nourishment, and Christ is its goal.
New Studies in Dogmatics seeks to retrieve the riches of Christian doctrine for the sake of contemporary theological renewal. Following in the tradition of G. C. Berkouwer's Studies in Dogmatics, this series will provide thoughtful, concise, and readable treatments of major theological topics, expressing the biblical, creedal, and confessional shape of Christian doctrine for a contemporary evangelical audience. The editors and contributors share a common conviction that the way forward in constructive systematic theology lies in building upon the foundations laid in the church's historic understanding of the Word of God as professed in its creeds, councils, and confessions, and by its most trusted teachers. This volume presents a dogmatic account of the Christian life."
"Volumes in New Word Biblical Themes: New Testament series offer short, accessible studies of the key themes of each book of the New Testament.
Each volume offers an introduction to the book, a brief exposition of the text with its basic background and a survey of its contents, an overview of its themes, and a deeper look at 3-5 key themes for understanding the book and for preaching and teaching.
Visuals and suggested reading can be found in the audiobook companion PDF download."
"Since its publication in 1994, An Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics has become a standard text for a generation of students, pastors, and serious lay readers. This second edition has been substantially updated and expanded, allowing the authors to fine-tune and enrich their discussions on fundamental interpretive topics. In addition, four new chapters have been included that address more recent controversial issues: • The role of biblical theology in interpretation • How to deal with contemporary questions not directly addressed in the Bible • The New Testament's use of the Old Testament • The role of history in interpretation The book retains the unique aspect of being written by two scholars who hold differing viewpoints on many issues, making for vibrant, thought-provoking dialogue. What they do agree on, however, is the authority of Scripture, the relevance of personal Bible study to life, and why these things matter.
Glossary, bibliography, and reference material can be found in the audiobook companion PDF download."
"From the Palestinian struggle against Israeli Apartheid, to First Nations' mass campaigns against pipeline construction in North America, Indigenous peoples are at the forefront of some of the crucial struggles of our age. Rich with their distinct histories and cultures, they are connected by the shared enemy they face: settler colonialism.
In this introduction to the subject, Sai Englert highlights the ways in which settler colonialism has and continues to shape our global economic and political order. From the rapacious accumulation of resources, land, and labor, through Indigenous dispossession and genocide, to the development of racism as a form of social control, settler colonialism is deeply connected to many of today's social ills.
To understand settler colonialism as an ongoing process, is therefore also to start engaging with contemporary social movements and solidarity campaigns differently. It is to start seeing how distinct struggles for justice and liberation are intertwined."
"We all want to live a life that matters—a life of meaning and significance. The problem is, when we think of a life that makes a difference, we think way too small. Our lives can and should make an impact today—and we should also be working toward building a legacy that lasts for generations to come.
Rejecting the current work-hard-then-retire mindset, David Green, founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby, and Bill High call us to a biblical view of ourselves and our families—a generational mindset. With a paradigm-changing perspective, this book helps you
● develop a legacy perspective on your life and family
● articulate and live out your mission and values
● recover from failures and celebrate successes
● tell your stories from generation to generation
It may feel strange at first, but when you shift your mindset to understand your life in generational terms, you'll discover that while you are not the story, you are part of a story that matters for eternity."
"Do you want to live a life that matters more? More than your career, more than the kids you raised, more than the individual acts of kindness and charity you may have performed? How about a life that matters for eternity? Though that may sound like a lofty goal reserved for only the most saintly of people, it is possible for anyone to achieve.
Through ninety powerful readings, The Legacy Life Devotional challenges and equips you to live a countercultural, biblical life that matters for generations to come. Building off the concepts in The Legacy Life, founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby David Green shares daily devotional thoughts about how to
● develop a legacy perspective on your life and family
● articulate and live out your mission and values
● recover from failures and celebrate successes
● tell your stories from generation to generation
It may feel strange at first, but when you shift your mindset to understand your life in generational terms, you'll discover that while you are not the story, you are part of a story that matters for eternity."
"At Sea Against the Soviet Fleet examines the critical transformation of naval intelligence during a pivotal era marked by the Cold War and the Vietnam conflict. Bryan Leese meticulously details how US Navy operational intelligence evolved to meet the complexities of modern naval warfare, particularly in response to the increasing threats posed by the Soviet Navy. This book begins by examining the Vietnam War and the institutionalization of shipboard operational intelligence, or what Navy intelligence calls Opintel. The book highlights the establishment of Integrated Operational Intelligence Centers as part of the RA-5C Vigilante program and the innovative strategies that emerged in air combat and targeting.
Leese goes on to underscore the necessity of Opintel to the US Navy's close and distant blockade strategy in the 1960s and 1970s. Capturing the essence of this transformative period, the author discusses the cultural dynamics within the Navy that fostered innovation and interdepartmental collaboration. These developments not only contributed to maintaining a strategic edge over the Soviet Union, but also laid the groundwork for future naval operations in the digital age. By blending rich archival research with firsthand accounts, this book offers a nuanced understanding of how the Navy adapted to an ever-changing operational landscape."
"Learn how to engage with cultural issues in a deeply countercultural way. When we embrace the paradoxical character preached by Jesus in the Beatitudes, we experience rich and surprising blessing."
"SOUNDVIEW BUSINESS BOOK OF THE YEAR
Control freaks. Narcissists. Slackers. Cynics. Difficult people are the worst part of a manager's job.
This book turns this seemingly difficult chore into a straight-forward process that gently, yet effectively, improves behaviors. It all begins with understanding a core truth: most people actually want to contribute results, not cause headaches. When the manager resets to that fundamental principle, the potential for change can reveal itself in even the most hopeless situations.
Whether it comes from direct reports or people above, outbursts, irrational demands, griping, and other disruptions need to be dealt with - and it's your responsibility to do it. The second edition of this classic book for leaders has been fully revised and updated. Since its original publication, there have been dramatic changes with the move to the virtual workplace, the increase of toxic polarization and "unleadable" employees, AI impacts, and Covid-19 moving virtual/remote employees from being a minor niche to mainstream. How do leaders deal with this? Especially, how do they find and deal with "unleadable" remote employees in their organizations. There has also been an increase in workplace toxicity for a myriad of reasons. Whatever the cause, dealing with the problem in the workplace is key. Let Leading the Unleadable show you how.
Reflection points and graphics can be found in the audiobook companion PDF download."
"Set ambitious goals—and achieve them.
If you read (or listen to) nothing else on high performance, listen to this book. We've chosen a new selection of current and classic Harvard Business Review articles that will help you build on your strengths, assemble a network that supports your development, and achieve extraordinary results.
This book will inspire you to activate your leadership mindset; cultivate habits to crush your goals; manage your energy and attention; get the feedback you need to continue to grow; share your expertise to help others learn; and use strategic thinking to clarify what truly matters.
HBR's 10 Must Reads are definitive collections of classic ideas, practical advice, and essential thinking from the pages of Harvard Business Review. Exploring topics like disruptive innovation, emotional intelligence, and new technology in our ever-evolving world, these books empower any leader to make bold decisions and inspire others.
This updated and expanded edition features new, breakthrough articles, additional short-form pieces, and a detailed discussion guide to give you and your team the tools you need for sustained success."
