Religion og etik

Christian sexual ethics operates from a place of privilege when it does not consider those impacted by its moral prescriptions. A large majority of publications on Christian sexual ethics consider choices and images abstracted from lived conditions of the people called to make these decisions. As such, it leaves out many for whom sex is neither welcome nor a choice. As such, these same texts present images of sexual subjects that marginalize those that do not fit. As the book presents, sexuality, both Christian and otherwise, prioritizes a language of purity that strangles the life of those imaged impure. The present book remedies this emphasis through the language of iconoclasm that blasphemes these images and opens theological reflection beyond the boundary of image-based approaches. Utilizing a qualitative study of survivors of trafficking and those who grew up under evangelical purity teachings, Spaulding narrates sexual ethics in light of their testimonies and the theological resources of iconoclasm to articulate a more just and loving sexuality. The new emphasis on sexual ethics not only resists the prescriptions that create the conditions of sex trafficking but the creation of new communities capable of solidarity and mutuality with those caught in the web of trafficking.

How can one speak and act in ways that overcome entrenched social conflicts? In polarized societies, some insist that the survival of democracy depends on people abiding by rules of civility and mutual respect. Others argue that the political situation is so dire that one's values need to be fought for by any means necessary. Across the political spectrum, people feel like they need to choose between the morality of dialogue and the effectiveness of protest. Beyond Civility in Social Conflict makes an important intervention in this debate. Taking insights from nonviolent direct action, it provides a model for advocacy that is both compassionate and critical. Successful communicators can help their opponents by dismantling the illusions and unjust systems that impede human flourishing and pit people against one another. The final chapter turns specifically to Christian ethics, and what it means to 'love your enemies' by disagreeing with them.

Finding parallels between the exclusion of lepers and the efforts of Christian communities to reforge kinship bonds with them in ancient and medieval times, Carlo Calleja argues that communities of kinship with older persons can help cultivate the virtues needed for the flourishing of oneself and society.

At se og leve livet gennem forundringens prisme er både en gave og en viljesakt. Livet er stort og småt, højt og lavt, forunderligt og forfærdeligt. Men det ligger altid lige der foran os, og det er op til os, hvordan vi tager imod det.Anna-Marie Hansen ser med livsduelighedens blik det store i det små og det små i det store. Hun tager læseren med på vandring gennem de nedslag af særlighed og almindelighed, som tilværelsen byder på. I selskab med kunst, litteratur, natur og mennesker, hun har mødt på sin vej, udfolder hun forundringens gave.

Ich hatte eine Nahtoderfahrung. Aber ganz ehrlich: Wer glaubt schon einem 15-jährigen Mädchen, das behauptet, sie habe Gott gesehen.Ich hatte - Gott sei Dank - einen Menschen, der mich von Anfang an ernst genommen und bestärkt hat und mir gezeigt hat, dass es nicht nur Spinnereien in meinem Kopf sind, sondern wissenschaftlich belegt und von einer Handvoll Menschen auf der Welt erlebt worden ist.

Drawing on interviews with twenty-two same-sex, married couples, this book argues that the Catholic tradition should expand its definition of sacramental marriage to include same-sex couples. Stories from these couples illustrate that the church would benefit from a deeper commitment to practices of radical hospitality and sanctuary.

"In the great tradition of authors who leave church but remain spiritual-such as Barbara Brown Taylor, Rob Bell-the author of Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul forges a new path toward a true spiritual home, embracing a deep connection to the natural world"--

"For the Life of the World: Toward a Social Ethos of the Orthodox Church" is, according to Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, "a mature and reasoned discourse about our engagement with the world and with each other for Orthodox Christians and all people of good will. This text offers to the reader, who is willing to listen, insight and guidance on how to participate in life in the world, while enjoying the life in the Spirit." It is a helpful roadmap--steeped in Orthodox wisdom--essential for navigating the many modern-day challenges we face.

Through the hermeneutical lens of human-animal studies, this volume explores how biblical texts help construct a precise image of animals and assign them a precise role within society. In this regard, three central moments are considered: (a) Creation narratives: Examining the two creation narratives shows how these are functional in creating a hierarchy within the animal kingdom, elevating domestic animals over other animals and positioning humans as God's privileged interlocutors. (b) Biblical Legislation: The second part explores how legal codes frame animals as 'objects' in a human-centered relationship, reinforcing a definite hierarchical social order. However, it also reveals instances where animals assume the role of 'legal subjects' with associated responsibilities. (c) Institution of sacrifices: The third section explores how sacrifices in the Hebrew Bible shape the perception of animals and determine their social role. A comparative approach between ritual texts in Leviticus and references to sacrifices in prophetic texts opens up different perspectives on the suffering of animals during sacrifices.

Political, economic and military powers have woefully failed in their attempts to transform societies around the world, particularly in the African context. As poverty, corruption, and bad leadership continue to pervade nations and undermine human flourishing, the global community needs to respond with creativity, innovation and collaboration.Drawing on empirical research and utilizing an interdisciplinary approach that engages both development and theology, this study explores the church's role - both spiritual and pragmatic - in facilitating societal transformation in African countries, specifically Nigeria. The power of religion is often overlooked within development frameworks, but is a profoundly significant resource. Highlighting the importance of ecclesiastical leadership in mobilizing religious communities to partner with sociopolitical and economic institutions, Dr. Obaji Agbiji argues for a development framework that recognizes religious practitioners as indispensable partners in the quest for societal transformation.Offering insight for both scholars and practitioners, this sustainable transformative approach to development bridges the gap between theory and practice and challenges church and civil leadership to take concrete steps to combat societal ills and see nations transformed for the better.

"Right and Wrong addresses the chief problems Christians have responding to the myriad economic, political, and public health challenges we all face. The author uses a relatively simple approach learned in Christian ethics class as a seminarian. As the pandemic continued and issues succeeded one another in the headlines, he wrote down how that simple approach, grounded in a particular definition of the primary New Testament term for Christian love-agape-, remains both intellectually and spiritually robust enough to serve as a guide for Christians and others of good will"--

¿Cómo puede el pueblo de Dios desarrollar iglesias de manera que ayuden y no perjudiquen a los barrios pobres? En el ministerio urbano, los cristianos con demasiada frecuencia tratan a los pobres como proyectos de buena voluntad en lugar de personas. Debido a esta mentalidad, muchos permanecen sin ir a la iglesia. Se necesitan iglesias urbanas, locales y saludables porque combinan el empoderamiento personal y la transformación comunitaria. Cada barrio pobre necesita iglesias poco comunes que busquen el bien común de sus comunidades. Alvin Sanders aborda duras verdades sobre estos vecindarios y proporciona un modelo de cómo ejercer el ministerio en condiciones difíciles. La iglesia local y urbana es la clave para la transformación comunitaria, ya que desempeña tres funciones cruciales: empoderar, asociarse y alcanzar. Los pastores y plantadores de iglesias interesados en el desarrollo de la comunidad cristiana encontrarán aquí ideas prácticas sobre el poder de la iglesia local. Las iglesias pueden servir a sus comunidades y mejorar la calidad de vida de todos los aspectos del vecindario.

"Using the writings of Martin Luther, Michael T. Fieberkorn opens the vice and virtue tradition to the Lutheran audience. Part 1 discusses how Luther reframes vices as unbelief and virtue as part of the Christian's new life in Christ. Part 2 explores the relationship between vice, virtue, and the Ten Commandments and how it plays out in the life of a Christian"--