Theology and philosophy have both shaped contemporary culture and how people actually think about moral issues. This introductory textbook engages both traditions to present Christian philosophical and theological approaches to ethics. Combining their expertise in philosophy and theology, Craig Boyd and Don Thorsen explain the beliefs, values, and practices of various Christian ethical viewpoints, addressing biblical teachings as well as traditional ethical theories that contribute to informed moral decision-making. Each chapter begins with Words to Watch and includes a relevant case study on a vexing ethical issue, such as caring for the environment, human sexuality, abortion, capital punishment, war, and euthanasia. Designed for use in the classroom, the book includes end-of-chapter reflection questions, illustrations, and additional information tables.

Congregations are made up of people with all sorts of theologies. Pastor Mike Slaughter even says that these can stand in the way of the church’s mission of social and personal holiness. But most people do not adopt a theology on purpose, mostly they merely breathe in the prevailing cultural air. The theology "de jour" seems to be Calvinist, with its emphasis on “the elect” and “other worldly salvation.” In fact, there is so much Calvinism saturating the culture, that some do not even know there is an alternative way of thinking about their faith. They don’t know where to go to find a viable option; they don’t even know the key words to search Google. So people are left thinking like Calvinists but living with a desire to change the world, offering grace and hope to hurting people in mission and ministry—loving the least, the last, and the lost. In other words, they are living like Wesleyans. This book shows what Calvinist and Wesleyans actually believe about human responsibility,…

This introduction to Christian theology explores the whole Christian tradition in a simple and straightforward way. Leading Wesleyan theologian Don Thorsen surveys the theological views represented within historic Christianity and discusses the variety of positions held without favoring one over another. The book includes helpful end-of-chapter questions for further reflection and discussion, a convenient glossary of theological terms, and sidebars. The second edition is marked by a thorough updating of the text and the addition of two new chapters on apologetics and the future of the unevangelized.

The Baker Academic Theological Studies Collection contains five volumes of contemporary scholarship. This collection covers wide-ranging topics, among them anthropology, providence, Pauline theology, and Old Testament interpretation. The collection explores recent trends in apologetics and the future of the unevangelized, considers the creaturely and divine nature of humans, and offers a constructive account of the doctrine of providence. Addressing key themes of theology, these resources provide helpful insights for pastors, church leaders, and students.

The Baker Philosophy Collection introduces philosophical arguments and questions relevant to Christians. These four volumes show that philosophy is valuable, practical, and significant for every aspect of Christian life and ministry. Exploring the interactions between Scripture, theology, and philosophy, this collection addresses biblical teachings as well as traditional ethical theories that contribute to informed moral decision-making.

Our largest package, the 2025 Ultimate Library, provides an incredible library for biblical research and theological reflection. Whether focused on Church history or biblical exegesis, the vast collection of resources and titles at your fingertips cover the gamut—from most devotionals to practical discussions of pastoral ministry to the most rigorous scholarly and academic research. This package has everything you need to engage in the serious study of Scripture and its world, with respected resources like the Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies | LHBOTS (382 vols.) and top-tier exegetical commentaries like the New International Commentary on the Old and New Testament | NIC (51 vols.).

Does the concept of holiness hold any relevance for Christians in the twenty-first century? Or is it rather a relic of the past, with little to offer in today's postmodern world? The contributors to this book firmly insist that holiness is indeed relevant, no matter the age in which we live. Moreover, it is essential to following Christ in the twenty-first century. The essayists are all members of the Wesleyan Holiness Study Project, a gathering of scholars and leaders who have met since 2004 to explore the mission of the churches of the Holiness movement. The book begins with two compelling ecumenical statements articulating the holiness message for today's church: “The Holiness Manifesto” and “Fresh Eyes on Holiness.” These are followed by a dozen penetrating essays grouped in three parts: (1) the understanding of holiness in Scripture, (2) holiness in historical and theological perspective, and (3) holiness in relation to various practical aspects of ministry. The book...

Twelve scholars take us on a journey through twelve books that have defined the methodologies and orthodoxies of key disciplines within the university curriculum. These books have not only been formative for their respective disciplines, but have reshaped the university and continue to reframe our understanding of education. Each chapter places a Great Book in its historical context, summarizes the key ideas, and assesses the influence of the text on its discipline and society as a whole. In addition, each contributor offers an evaluation from a Christian perspective, explaining both the benefits of the book and the challenges it presents to a Christian worldview and philosophy of education.

While evangelicals make up a significant portion of American society, they still constitute a mystery for many. They exert considerable influence on virtually every aspect of American life and culture, yet by those who don't appreciate them they're seen as rednecks, crypto-fundamentalists, and people without education. Wilkens and Thorsen contend that evangelicals are tired of being caricatured and provide an insider's look at myths and realities surrounding the movement. They winsomely and sometimes humorously assess the breadth and depth of evangelical beliefs, values, and practices, arguing that evangelicalism is identifiable by a family resemblance, vitality, and relevance that transcends particular theological and political stereotypes that arise inside as well as outside of it. The book provides a synthetic presentation of contemporary evangelical Christianity as well as critiques of it.

The Eerdmans Ultimate Collection includes resources for study in Bible, theology, history and more. These resources come from well-received series such as Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (TDNT), New International Commentary (NIC), Pillar New Testament Commentary (PNTC), Forms of Old Testament Literature (FOTL), New International Greek Testament Commentary (NIGTC), among others as well as outstanding stand-alone volumes. Your studies will be enriched with titles from scholars such as D.A. Carson, Douglas Moo, Leon Morris, Joel B. Green, J. Gordon McConville, and more.

Since the day Jesus ascended into heaven, the church has eagerly awaited his second coming. And during the intervening years too many Christians have focused their study of the Bible entirely on discovering the end-time signs of his coming. Does Jesus expect us to focus on dates and signs, or does he want us to instead develop a healthy and mature apocalyptic spirituality as we await his coming and the culmination of his plan of redemption and restoration? Many of today's Christians lack a basic understanding of apocalyptic spirituality or do not understand God's mission through the church. Consequently they fail to see and appropriate the rich truths that can be learned and applied to their lives today. Yes, Revelation is a book for today! This book begins by explaining how the historic misinterpretation of end-time Biblical literature has distracted Christians from their true spiritual development and mission. It then explains how developing a proper apocalyptic spirituality can…

In the midst of oppression, poverty, violence, and insufficiency where survival takes priority over salvation, what theology speaks to this condition? Black Theology and Holy Hip-hop are important to understand and promote, especially in their relationship to inner-city ministry and spiritual development, primarily in regards to black and brown youth. This work investigates the complex crises experienced among our black and brown youth, with special focus on the inner-city. Black Theology and Holy Hip-hop is less about people and more about institutions--the dichotomy between the institution of the church and the social institution of music that affects young people's mindset. This book will examine how a double-edged sword of Black Theology and Holy Hip-hop will cut a new faith in inner-city ministry that will initiate freedom against personal pain and systemic oppression, on the one hand, and free minds from self-hate and submissive control on the other.

As congregações são formadas por pessoas com todos os tipos de teologias. O pastor Mike Slaughter ainda diz que isso pode atrapalhar a missão da igreja de santidade social e pessoal. Mas a maioria das pessoas não adota uma teologia propositalmente, na maioria das vezes elas simplesmente respiram o ar cultural predominante. A teologia "de jour" parece ser calvinista, com sua ênfase nos "eleitos" e na "outra salvação mundana". Na verdade, há tanto Calvinismo saturando a cultura, que alguns nem sabem que existe uma forma alternativa de pensar sobre sua fé. Eles não sabem onde ir para encontrar uma opção viável; eles nem sabem as palavras-chave para pesquisar no Google. Assim, as pessoas ficam pensando como calvinistas, mas vivendo com o desejo de mudar o mundo, oferecendo graça e esperança a pessoas feridas em missão e ministério - amando o mínimo, o último e o perdido. Em outras palavras, eles estão vivendo como wesleyanos. Este livro mostra o que calvinistas e wesleyanos realmente...

This far reaching collection includes many of the premiere resources available for biblical study, theology, ministry, history, and more. These resources from Baker Publishing Group feature stand alone volumes as well as dedicated series, with contributions from leading scholars such as Douglas Moo, D.A. Carson, Darrell Bock, Peter Leithart, Thomas Schreiner, and many more. With these resources from trusted guides you will discover new and challenging insights as you dig even deeper in your studies.

This collection of Baker Academic resources from 2020 features commentaries, biblical studies, and theological studies. Resources included in this collection provide readers with a wide array of content on topics including interpretation, counseling, ministry, and more. Featuring new volumes in the Baker Commentary on the Old Testament, Handbooks on the New Testament, and Pastoring for Life series, this collection provides the latest in biblical studies and ministry.

The Pocket Dictionary of Christian Spirituality is an A to Z introduction and resource for curious newcomers and novice students of spirituality. From our first call to Abba until we arrive at Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, Don Thorsen charts the Christian spiritual pilgrimage through its many traditions, schools of thought, and tested practices. Among the over 300 definitions you'll find terms and ideas traditions and movements practices and rituals texts and theology A reliable guide and launching pad for learning, the Pocket Dictionary of Christian Spirituality is a basic resource for the pilgrimage travel bag. Designed for students and pastors alike, the short and accessible volumes in the IVP Pocket Reference Series will help you tackle the study of biblical languages, church history, apologetics, world religions, Christian spirituality, ethics, theology, and more.

Christians believe that Jesus was both human and divine. While he lived on earth, however, Jesus lived as a human. He had to grow in wisdom and stature as well as in favor with God and people. Imagine Jesus having a best friend named Shamir, whom Jesus knew since boyhood in their hometown of Nazareth. What kinds of conversations might the two of them have had? How important was friendship to Jesus? This novel envisions how friendship aided Jesus in his adult life as well as in his boyhood. Conversations with Shamir suggest the kinds of questions and concerns that the human Jesus experienced. What sense of divine calling did Jesus have? Why did he pray so much? How did Jesus assemble his disciples? How did he view the signs, wonders, healings, and exorcisms that occurred? How did Jesus endure eventual betrayal, crucifixion, and death? How did Jesus understand resurrection? We gain a needed understanding of Jesus' humanness by reading this novel. Jesus emphasized faith and hope as well…