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"A great gift to all in search of a deeper life"Public scholar and popular podcaster Elizabeth Oldfield shows why, in a world stripped of both forgiveness and responsibility but heavy on judgment, she still finds the concept of sin liberating--and how, to her surprise, she keeps finding the themes, rituals, and communities of Christianity a source of spiritual strength when things fall apart."When I was writing Unapologetic more than a decade ago, I knew the job would soon need doing again. And again. Because the bridge between faith and contemporary experience constantly needs to be rebuilt as times change. So here it is, then: the bridge for the present moment, across which seekers for more meaning in their lives can travel in the knowledge that they won't be bullied, browbeaten, or talked down to. This book. This one. In your hand. Right now."--Francis Spufford, author of Unapologetic and Light Perpetual"In this beautiful book, Oldfield gives voice and vigor to a paradox of our time--that even as Christianity is officially on the wane, it is a bearer of wisdom, intelligence, and rituals of lavish value to our world in all its pain and promise. This book is for modern humans who, like her, have gone 'off script' in finding religion more relevant, not less so, in this young century. A great gift to all in search of a deeper life, of 'spiritual core strength'--of a full, redemptive aliveness."--Krista Tippett, president, executive producer, and host of On Being"Oldfield has a gift for writing about the things that matter most in a way that's honest, warmhearted, and down-to-earth. This remarkable book points not to some unreachable ideal of life but to a deeper, more soulful, and meaningful experience of the life we're actually living."--Oliver Burkeman, author of Four Thousand Weeks

How Evil Hides in the Church behind Good IntentionsWe expect evil to appear in obvious forms: malice, cruelty, and contempt. We also expect to find villains at the helm of evil movements and organizations, leaders with dark impulses and motivations. But all too often, malevolence is more subtle, hiding behind our own best intentions.In The Church in Dark Times, cultural critic Mike Cosper unveils this dynamic in the growing crisis of abuse and other failures in modern evangelical churches. Drawing on the work of twentieth-century political theorist Hannah Arendt, Cosper explores what we can learn from her theory of the "banality of evil"--the thoughtlessness that allows ordinary people to become complicit in all manner of corruption. He uncovers the underlying causes of the breakdowns of the church and offers practices that foster healing and renewal."In seeking to understand how Mars Hill Church created a distorted reality and ethical framework, Cosper turns to the political thinker Hannah Arendt. Exploring Arendt's thinking about the power of ideology and the banality of evil, Cosper turns the story of Mars Hill Church into a window to our dark times."--Roger Berkowitz, academic director, Hannah Arendt Center for Politics and Humanities, professor, Bard College"Cosper brings to bear his extensive work uncovering some of the most troubling moments in the American church, his deep and wide knowledge of art and culture, and, most important, his love of stories, Scripture, and the church."--Karen Swallow Prior, author of The Evangelical Imagination: How Stories, Images, and Metaphors Created a Culture in Crisis"Cosper has stared into the abyss of the darkest horrors of American Christianity. He also has gazed into the light of the glory of Christ. This book shows us how to tell the difference between the two while yielding to neither complicity nor cynicism."--Russell Moore, editor in chief, Christianity Today

"Powerful, poised, poetic"After years of witnessing religious and political unrest in the evangelical church, Lore Ferguson Wilbert felt alienated and disoriented. She found solace in the woods, where she discovered that the forest could teach her how to live--and even thrive--when everything seems to be falling apart.In The Understory, Wilbert explores what we can learn from eroding soil, the decomposition process, the time it takes to grow lichen, the beauty of fiddlehead ferns, the regeneration of self-sowing seeds, and walking through the mud. Among the understory of the forest, Wilbert discovers rich metaphors for living a rooted and flourishing life within the complex ecosystems of our world. Her journey encourages us to grieve, remember, hope, and press on with resilience."A remarkably acute and resonant account."--Bill McKibben, author of The End of Nature"Rare and beautiful."--Aundi Kolber, MA, LPC, therapist; author of Try Softer and Strong Like Water"Powerful, poised, poetic. Wilbert preaches like a prophet and writes like a friend."--Rachel Marie Kang, author of Let There Be Art and The Matter of Little Losses"Part Wendell Berry, Eugene Peterson, and Madeleine L'Engle. The result is sheer magic."--A. J. Swoboda, associate professor, Bushnell University; author of After Doubt"Raw honesty devoid of cynicism."--Amanda Held Opelt, author of Holy Unhappiness and A Hole in the World"Concerned with the radical act of being."--Drew Jackson, poet and author of God Speaks through Wombs and Touch the Earth

"Timely, powerful, and so very necessary"--Willie James JenningsPolitical and cultural wars are tearing communities apart. Issues such as immigration, racism, and guns are driving wedges between people and hampering Christians' impact in the world.In Empowered to Repair, acclaimed author, speaker, and reconciliation scholar Brenda Salter McNeil looks to the biblical story of Nehemiah for answers. There, she finds an action-based model for repairing and rebuilding our communities and transforming broken systems."Dr. Brenda's bravest, most urgent, and most wise yet hopeful and strategic guide and pronouncement to date. An inspiring triumph."--Patricia Raybon, Christy Award-winning author of the books My First White Friend, I Told the Mountain to Move, and the Annalee Spain Mysteries"This book is timely, powerful, and so very necessary. It must make its way into the hands of every pastor, congregant, and Christian who believes that there is a work of reconciliation yet to be done."--Willie James Jennings, Yale Divinity School"Empowered to Repair is the sum of sage wisdom from a lifelong reconciler. For those awaiting the tools to make a better world, you found them!"--Rev. Randy Woodley, author, speaker, co-sustainer: Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice"Reparative action is the culmination of the Christian practice of self-examination leading to self-knowledge and confession. The culminating question is, 'What can I do to make it right?' As I finished reading this challenging and richly nuanced work, I found myself praying that God would give each of us the strength to participate fully in the ministry of reconciliation by asking this question and then doing it."--Ruth Haley Barton, founder, Transforming Center; author of Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership"Are you weary of conversations and debates about justice? Are you ready to practically and meaningfully contribute to systemic healing in your community? Good news--you're holding the playbook in your hands. Let's get to work!"--David Swanson, pastor, New Community Covenant Church; CEO, New Community Outreach

"A must-read for those seeking solace and spiritual wisdom"When Micha Boyett's son was born with Down syndrome and later diagnosed with autism, she was drawn into the ancient teachings of the Beatitudes. There, she found an invitation to honor her limits in a world that values performance, perfection, and strength over mercy, meekness, and the longing for justice.In Blessed Are the Rest of Us, Boyett invites us--especially those of us who are burned out, tired of performing, living with grief, feeling exhausted, or powerless--to discover our wholeness not in our own accomplishments but in the dream God has for the world."Blessed Are the Rest of Us conjures spiritual solutions for very real problems. A graceful, moving book that should be required reading."--Mary Karr, author of The Liars' Club, Cherry, Lit, and The Art of Memoir"This is breathtaking. Such beautiful writing."--Nadia Bolz-Weber, bestselling author, speaker, and public theologian"Micha's unwavering love for God shines through every page. A must-read for those seeking solace and spiritual wisdom."--Kelli Caughman, cofounder, Black Down Syndrome Association"A powerful narrative, one that will cause you to rethink so much of what you believe about disabilities, equality, and the dignity of others."--Matthew Paul Turner, #1 New York Times bestselling author of What Is God Like?"A deeply moving meditation on being a part of, and participating in, the dream of God for us."--Mihee Kim-Kort, author of Outside the Lines: How Embracing Queerness Will Transform Your Faith; co-pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Annapolis, Maryland

The Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible enlists leading theologians to read and interpret scripture creedally for the twenty-first century, just as the church fathers, the Reformers, and other orthodox Christians did for their times and places. 1 & 2 Chronicles, like each commentary in the series, is designed to serve the church and to demonstrate the continuing intellectual and practical viability of theological interpretation of the Bible.Praise for 1 & 2 Chronicles in the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible"Leithart has established himself as a sensitive, close reader of the biblical text who is guided by the richness of the Christian theological tradition. This commentary is an adroit and refreshing attempt to weave together these two talents."--Gary A. Anderson, University of Notre Dame"With his customary flair, Leithart opens up both the structure and the typology of 1 & 2 Chronicles, offering significant assistance to any preacher who seeks to proclaim the good news from this difficult text. Leithart is especially illuminating regarding the Chronicler's theology of music and the implications of that theology for the practice of worship. By demonstrating the centrality of worship to the narrative of Chronicles, Leithart also shows the coherence of the entire narrative. This commentary will be a helpful addition to the library of any pastor, especially those responsible for the worship life of their congregations."--Laura A. Smit, Calvin CollegePraise for Leithart's 1 & 2 Kings in the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible"Leithart's work [is] stimulating in its unabashedly theological interpretive stance. Such a starting point for the exegetical task inquires differently of the text and renders fresh applications and observations. The two disciplines of biblical and theological studies can only benefit from cross-disciplinary engagement and, certainly, Leithart demonstrates that both disciplines can be used critically and in service of the Church."--Lissa M. Wray Beal, Toronto Journal of TheologyGeneral editor: R. R. Reno (editor, First Things)Series editors: Robert W. Jenson (1930-2017) (Center of Theological Inquiry)Robert Louis Wilken (University of Virginia)Ephraim Radner (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto)Michael Root (Catholic University of America)George Sumner (Episcopal Diocese of Dallas)

"Perceptive, funny, subversive, and nourishing"Many of us spend our days feeling like we're the only one with problems, while everyone else has their act together. But the sooner we realize that everyone struggles like we do, the sooner we can show grace to ourselves and others.In Low Anthropology, author and theologian David Zahl explores how our ideas about human nature influence our expectations in friendship, work, marriage, and politics. He offers a liberating view of human nature, sin, and grace, showing why the good news of Christianity is both urgent and appealing.By embracing a more accurate view of human beings, we can discover a true and lasting hope."A remarkably perceptive, funny, subversive, and nourishing book that hasn't left my mind since I read it. David Zahl shows that transformation--and the kind of hope we can actually rely on--isn't to be found in the oppressive perfectionism of self-improvement but rather in accepting the liberating truth that we're all flawed, finite, prone to overconfidence and messing things up, and in need of forgiveness."--Oliver Burkeman, New York Times bestselling author of Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals"This is the book I have been waiting for: an antidote to all the self-help nonsense that weighs down our bookshelves and our self-regard. I feel lighter, freer, and less alone with every word I read in Zahl's brilliant and truthful Low Anthropology."--Nadia Bolz-Weber, author of Accidental Saints: Finding God in All the Wrong People"I know of few people better equipped to cut through the religious noise of our day than David Zahl, and this book is no exception. While we're constantly being told to think better and expect more of ourselves, Zahl provides a counterintuitive take. He shows us that there's goodness in being merely human, and there's great humor to be found in it too."--Mike Cosper, author and director of podcasts at Christianity Today

There's no escaping it: everyone experiences seasons of pain and despair. When Amber Haines resigned from her position as church curate, she entered her own season of grief. Through it, she and her husband, Seth, discovered that the journey toward hope starts with recognizing "the deep down things."In The Deep Down Things, Amber and Seth point to a simple truth: even in the darkest times, there are signs of hope all around us. By tasting, touching, feeling, holding, and participating in these tangible acts of hope, we can experience the divine love of God and become agents of hope in the world."I want to press this book into the hands of every person I know who is suffering and also seeking something sacred, which is basically all of us."--Shauna Niequist, New York Times bestselling author of I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet"This book will draw you closer to your own strength in God and leave you feeling empowered to face whatever challenges life throws your way."--Latasha Morrison, author of the New York Times bestseller Be the Bridge: Pursuing God's Heart for Racial Reconciliation"An invitation to think truly and critically and kindly on your own story and your own faith."--Annie F. Downs, New York Times bestselling author of That Sounds Fun"What you hold in your hands is special and timely, and if embodied, it can do wonders within."--Steve Carter, pastor and author of The Thing Beneath the Thing

These two beautiful prayer books will help you rediscover the Psalms--through free-verse prayer renderings of their poems and hymns--as a guide to personal devotion and meditation. Each volume contains seventy-five prayers that will help you quiet your heart before God.These prayer books offer a fresh way to reflect on and pray the Psalms.- Artful, poetic, and classic devotional books feature compelling custom illustrations- Free-verse prayer renderings of the book of Psalms, written in harmony with Scripture- Each prayer corresponds to a particular psalm and responds to its themes and ideas- Volume 1, Sheltering Mercy, is drawn from Psalms 1-75 and will welcome you into a safe place amid the storms of life- Volume 2, Endless Grace, is drawn from Psalms 76-150 and will help you remember the Lord's daily mercies

"A book about faith, politics, and the Bible that our churches and our democracy need"In The Ballot and the Bible, Kaitlyn Schiess explores America's history of using the Bible in politics, highlighting times it was applied well and times it was egregiously misused. She combines American political history and biblical interpretation to help us faithfully read Scripture, talk with others about it, and apply it to contemporary political issues--and to our lives."A book about faith, politics, and the Bible that our churches and our democracy need."--Jemar Tisby, New York Times bestselling author of The Color of Compromise and How to Fight Racism; professor, Simmons College of Kentucky"This clever, judicious, and remarkably persuasive book challenges us to rethink how we apply Scripture to politics."--Beth Allison Barr, bestselling author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood; professor, Baylor University"A wonderfully illuminating history of how Americans have reached for the Bible--for better or worse--to shape our shared political life. Highly recommended!"--Phil Vischer, VeggieTales creator; cohost of the Holy Post podcast"Whether you lean left or lean right, whether you come from a red state, blue state, or a purple one, if you are a Christian who seeks to apply biblical principles to your political thinking, you will find something instructive, challenging, and enlightening in this book."--Karen Swallow Prior, author of The Evangelical Imagination"Offers keen, level-headed, and perceptive insights into the use of Scripture in our political life. I highly recommend it."--Michael Wear, president and CEO, Center for Christianity and Public Life; author of The Spirit of Our Politics"A must-read for every Christian who cares about the role of faith in the public square."--Skye Jethani, author of What If Jesus Was Serious?; cohost of the Holy Post podcast"What a gift Kaitlyn Schiess is to the church. This book should be required reading for anyone who teaches the Bible."--Sharon Hodde Miller, author of The Cost of Control"Buttressing her claims with impressive close analysis, Schiess sets out a nuanced look at America's legacy of scriptural language."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

A Creative Overview of the Bible's Grand NarrativeThe True Story of the Whole World explores the grand story line of the Bible, showing how God's action in the world gives meaning to our lives and provides us with a foundation for our actions. This revised edition has been updated and streamlined throughout."What a shockingly bold title, The True Story of the Whole World, and it lives up to every word. This book masterfully synthesizes the biblical narrative without sacrificing important exegetical details. It prompts readers to sit back in awe of the history of redemption while also compelling them to get on with Jesus's kingdom mission. Its predecessor, The Drama of Scripture, was required reading for all our church's interns and residents. I am now thrilled to recommend this more accessible version to our whole church."--Jonathan Dodson, lead pastor, City Life Church, Austin, Texas; author of Our Good Crisis: Overcoming Moral Chaos with the Beatitudes"I know of no book that is more important to our current and emerging times than The True Story of the Whole World. This book is accessible and tremendously impactful. Goheen and Bartholomew have immersed me and so many others in the world-altering story of Jesus Christ. Their book presents a breadth of biblical wisdom that helps us make sense of why the modern church is anemic in its calling to be the light of the world. I recommend The True Story of the Whole World to anyone who desires wisdom. Read and apply this book to your lives and ministries."--Tyler Johnson, lead pastor, Redemption Church ArizonaPraise for Bartholomew and Goheen's The Drama of Scripture"I am delighted to see solid scholarship made easily accessible in this splendid fashion."--N. T. Wright, University of St. Andrews"This engaging book opens up for students the panoramic vision of the Bible."--Mary E. Healy, Sacred Heart Major Seminary

The Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible enlists leading theologians to read and interpret scripture creedally for the twenty-first century, just as the church fathers, the Reformers, and other orthodox Christians did for their times and places. 1 & 2 Peter, like each commentary in the series, is designed to serve the church--through aid in preaching, teaching, study groups, and so forth--and demonstrate the continuing intellectual and practical viability of theological interpretation of the Bible."This is an example of theological interpretation of scripture at its best. Harink combines close attention to the text with thoughtful theological reflection. He is aware of various historical-critical issues but does not allow them to distract from the theological concerns he brings to these letters. Moreover, his generous engagement with a variety of theological traditions invites all Christians to look at these oft neglected epistles afresh."--Stephen E. Fowl, professor of theology, Loyola College in Maryland"This volume on 1 & 2 Peter by Douglas Harink vindicates the concept of the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible in one stroke. We are happily back in the company of the premodern interpreters, but--let this be noted--Origen, Augustine, Calvin, and their contemporaries are called upon by Harink to serve in one of the most immediately relevant, ethically rigorous, politically significant, and hermeneutically wide-ranging treatments of New Testament texts to appear on the postmodern landscape. There will be opposition to this enterprise, but preachers of the gospel should make no mistake--this is the real deal."--Fleming Rutledge, author of Not Ashamed of the Gospel and The Bible and the New York Times"An outstanding, illuminating, impressive example of a commentary written in the canonical mode. Harink demonstrates the possibility of composing a commentary ancient in style, but contemporary in its cultural frame. This commentary displays instructive subtlety and scope in braiding scriptural, patristic, Reformation, modern, and postmodern wisdom together with the texts of 1 and 2 Peter, for the sake of the church, and therefore for the sake of the world."--A. K. M. Adam, University of OxfordGeneral editor: R. R. Reno (Creighton University)Series editors: Robert W. Jenson (Center of Theological Inquiry)Robert Louis Wilken (University of Virginia)Ephraim Radner (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto)Michael Root (Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary)George Sumner (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto)

The Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible enlists leading theologians to read and interpret scripture creedally for the twenty-first century, just as the church fathers, the Reformers, and other orthodox Christians did for their times and places. Ezekiel, like each commentary in the series, is designed to serve the church--through aid in preaching, teaching, study groups, and so forth--and demonstrate the continuing intellectual and practical viability of theological interpretation of the Bible."Robert Jenson brings to the interpretation of Ezekiel years of theological study, a deeply trinitarian vision, and an ability to read the Bible as Christian scripture. That combination vivifies the dry bones of much standard biblical exegesis and illumines what is surely one of the strangest of biblical books."--Gilbert Meilaender, Valparaiso University"Here is a faithful Christocentric reading of Ezekiel that sits happily alongside this Jewish reader's cherished volume of Moshe Greenberg's commentary on Ezekiel. Jenson's Christocentric reading is also a deep reading of this text, drawing up dimensions of form and force and meaning that will also serve the rabbinic reader: not because of any leveling or syncretism, but because, once drawn up, these dimensions may then be drawn forward in their different ways by the differing communities of rabbinic and Christian readers."--Peter Ochs, University of VirginiaGeneral editor: R. R. Reno (Creighton University)Series editors: Robert W. Jenson (Center of Theological Inquiry)Robert Louis Wilken (University of Virginia)Ephraim Radner (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto)Michael Root (Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary)George Sumner (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto)

"Leading men and women to God, to the God who speaks in the Bible: this is the supreme and fundamental priority of the Church and of the Successor of Peter at the present time."--Pope Benedict XVI"A superb introduction to the way in which the theology of Pope Benedict XVI has been shaped by the Bible. Scott Hahn's crisp and clear analysis puts the reader at the very center of this remarkable pope's thought."--Gary Anderson, University of Notre Dame"The increasingly painful bankruptcy of the historical-critical method in our time has created a vacuum precisely at the point where the living Church requires substantial nurture. Pope Benedict XVI has spoken into this crisis like no one else, and his best expositor, Scott Hahn, has done us a tremendous service by synthesizing Benedict's erudite and prayerful biblical theology into a lively, readable, and intellectually reliable conspectus. This excellent volume will be indispensable for all Christians who seek to be more maturely grounded in Scripture."--David Lyle Jeffrey, Baylor University"A lucidly written and trenchant study of the biblical theology of Joseph Ratzinger / Pope Benedict. Hahn shows how one of the most important theologians of the twentieth century gently but firmly corrected the historical critics who dominate much of contemporary academic Scripture study. Hahn further demonstrates how, in making this correction, Ratzinger / Benedict allowed for the recovery of much of the richness of patristic biblical interpretation. This is a beautiful and thought-provoking text, one that will prove helpful to any serious student of the sacred page."--Robert Barron, Mundelein Seminary, University of St. Mary of the Lake"In the growing body of literature on the theology of Benedict XVI, there is a conspicuously missing theme: the consciously biblical character of the pontiff's theology. Hahn places Ratzinger / Benedict's concern for theology as a scriptural--and hence a liturgical--activity center stage with the verve and clarity we have come to expect from him. Hahn uses his encyclopedic knowledge of Ratzinger / Benedict's corpus to tease out many threads, weaving them into a compelling account of the new hermeneutic at the heart of Benedict's vision. Not only students of the pope but also all of us who desire the revitalization of theology and exegesis should welcome the passion and insight that Hahn has brought to bear on his subject."--Lewis Ayres, Durham University

The Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible enlists leading theologians to read and interpret scripture creedally for the twenty-first century, just as the church fathers, the Reformers, and other orthodox Christians did for their times and places. 2 Samuel, like each commentary in the series, is designed to serve the church and demonstrate the continuing intellectual and practical viability of theological interpretation of the Bible."Robert Barron is a great teacher of the Church and a gifted biblical commentator who breaks open the Word of God for our day as Ambrose and Augustine did for theirs."--George Weigel, Ethics and Public Policy Center"In this book, Barron brings his theological erudition to the task of interpreting Sacred Scripture. The result will be a delight for all his readers. Not only will they relish the many profundities of the text, but they will be able to join the author in wrestling with its various conundrums. Even the challenging parts of David's life are handled in fresh, creative, and--most important--productive ways."--Gary Anderson, University of Notre Dame"Robert Barron has written a beautiful commentary on 2 Samuel, and it will be a tribute to the series. He has a keen sense of the subtlety of the narrative and the imagination to draw theological and spiritual meaning from particulars. Yet he is neither doctrinaire nor heavy-handed; his interpretations always grow out of the story and do not become theological disquisitions. Barron writes well, and this commentary is a pleasure to read. Even serious readers of the Bible will delight in the surprising things he discerns in the narrative."--Robert Louis Wilken, University of VirginiaGeneral editor: R. R. Reno (editor, First Things) Series editors: Robert W. Jenson (Center of Theological Inquiry)Robert Louis Wilken (University of Virginia)Ephraim Radner (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto)Michael Root (Catholic University of America)George Sumner (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto)

Based in the riches of Christian worship and tradition, Beauty for Truth's Sake helps us put back together again faith and reason, truth and beauty, and the fragmented academic disciplines. Now with a new foreword by Ken Myers."[Caldecott] observes that 'we are living in an era shaped by philosophical battles that most of us are unaware ever took place.' Having spent most of my adult life trying to understand the genealogy of contemporary confusions, I wish I had known more about those battles when I was much younger. Many of our cultural institutions (and the shape they give to our lives) have been shaped by the outcome of those battles, formed by sympathies with the winning if mistaken side. And so many countercultural works of re-enchantment are now necessary. But what a marvelous necessity and what a marvelous and hopeful companion Stratford Caldecott can be for us in the way ahead."--Ken Myers, producer and host, Mars Hill Audio Journal (from the foreword)"A book that addresses the soul, mind, spirit, and will. It is an extended meditation on the sources of becoming more human that inevitably relate humanity to God. It is about education, spiritual maturing, and a lifetime vocation of learning. It is a wise book, an inspiring book, a beautiful book."--Ralph McInerny+, University of Notre Dame"This book offers three kinds of light: lucidity, illumination, and scintillation--the lucidity of participating in the divine simplicity, which substitutes profundity for mere complexity; illumination through the divine light of the Logos that shines as one in both creation and revelation; the scintillation of realizing that this truth can only be approached in love. Caldecott shows that all of our natural and social reality reflectively sparkles with a new anticipation, revealing to us how it might be transformed to better show forth the divine likeness."--Catherine Pickstock, University of Cambridge and Emmanuel College"A remarkable manifesto that restores mystery to its proper place in education. With mystery comes wonder, awe, reverence, beauty, and a sense of discovery that leads us to a deeper wisdom. Without these, science and mathematics are sterile, dull, and doomed, and the humanities are impossible. Caldecott has pronounced a blessing for our children and our children's children."--Scott Hahn, Franciscan University of Steubenville

Includes a new reader's guide"This is a deep, wide, wise contribution to a truly comprehensive Christian understanding of justice. I can't imagine a better biblical and theological introduction to the topic of justice, combined with pastoral wisdom and the urgency that comes from direct engagement with the brokenness of our world."--Andy Crouch, executive editor, Christianity Today; author of Playing God: Redeeming the Gift of Power"I suspect that The Justice Calling will become one of those books I turn to again and again. Its message is grounded not only in a few key biblical texts but in the full story of God's people from Genesis to Revelation. As one seeking to live justly in places of deep brokenness and violent conflict, I am grateful for the thread that stitches this whole book together: the possibility and promise of persevering hope."--Lynne Hybels, advocate for global engagement, Willow Creek Community Church"A resource for the church that is theologically rich, biblically faithful, and practically engaging. I'm genuinely inspired by this book and pray that it will encourage, challenge, and inspire others not only to the work of justice but also to the God of justice."--Eugene Cho, senior pastor, Quest Church; founder, One Day's Wages; author of Overrated: Are We More in Love with the Idea of Changing the World Than Actually Changing the World?"There is so much joy to be found as we follow God into the work of justice, so much strength to be gained in the Scriptures given to us. The Justice Calling takes us deep into all these gifts. As we face the giants of injustice in the season ahead, this is a book I'd urge every follower of Jesus to dig into and carry close at hand."--Gary A. Haugen, president and CEO, International Justice Mission; author of The Locust Effect"This book calls people from the comfort of their own homes into the terrifying realities of those dispossessed and violently used. . . . The Justice Calling [is] essential reading for those who are beginning the journey of considering how justice is integral to the life of following Jesus."--Brian Bantum, Christian Century

"A refreshing feature of this kind of commentary is that comment is disciplined and shaped in relation to what is significant for Christian faith. In a relatively small book, there is substantial discussion of a whole host of issues that are of profound importance to Christians. . . . The commentary is the work of one capable of acute observation and profound thought. At his best Hauerwas shows some real sensitivity to Matthew's story-telling technique. . . . There is certainly much to challenge and inspire Christian readers."--John Nolland, Review of Biblical Literature "[Hauerwas] continually draws Matthean motifs together with similar features in the rest of the Bible and shows where subsequent generations found the basis for their doctrinal reasoning. . . . This commentary serves readers admirably by connecting the points that lie between the first and twenty-first centuries and by reminding readers that Matthew's Gospel has played a deep, broad role in centuries of theological reflection."--A. K. M. Adam, Christian Century"In this work, all of Hauerwas's strengths--his Christocentrism, his theological passion, his rigorous and demanding love for the gathered church--are amplified through the words of the evangelist to serve as a resource for preaching and teaching in the church. I for one am much more likely to turn here than to any more typically modern commentary for help in preaching."--Jason Byassee, Books & Culture"Hauerwas attends to the Gospel chapter by chapter, teasing out theological themes while resisting the temptation to create a systematic Christology. He draws on theologians like Barth, Augustine, Origen, and especially Bonhoeffer, whom he quotes and paraphrases often, as well as New Testament scholars and eclectic writers like Wendell Berry. Insightful and provocative, Hauerwas adds a valuable theological perspective to the Gospel of Matthew."--Publishers Weekly"The value of the commentary is its bringing Matthew into unity with the rest of the biblical witness to the Gospel as that witness has been expounded by the church. The soundness of the commentary lies in Hauerwas's own theology having been honed by the church. . . . This Brazos series can play an important role in reminding one of the community's indispensable role in understanding the Bible, and Hauerwas's contribution to the series is a formidable one indeed!"--Gene L. Davenport, Catholic Biblical Quarterly

"Combining appreciation and critique, Wyndy Corbin Reuschling skillfully teases out the particular dynamics at work in the moral thinking of many evangelicals. By carefully analyzing the impact of several moral traditions on evangelicalism, she invites readers into a fuller recognition of the shaping power of scripture and Christian community, and into more robust practices of Christian discipleship. This book is an important contribution to understanding and strengthening evangelical ethics."--Christine D. Pohl, Asbury Theological Seminary"This book honors evangelical commitments to the authority of scripture, to a personal relation with Jesus, and to evangelism. But it challenges some of the ways evangelicals have brought those commitments to bear on Christian ethics, and it suggests better ways, ways that might indeed revive evangelical ethics."--Allen Verhey, Duke University"Wendy Corbin Reuschling's text provides a fresh, insistently self-critical study of the construction of evangelical ethics offered by an evangelical 'insider.' Her personal honesty and thought-provoking analysis makes this a compelling and timely basic resource on the content of Christian ethics."--Traci C. West, Drew University Theological School"Evangelical writers in the field of social ethics have for too long given only narrow slices of God's rich and complex vision for how we are to live. At last here is a book that helps us see the limitations of evangelical ethics built on Aristotelian, Kantian, and Millian ethical reflection. Corbin Reuschling deconstructs current evangelical approaches to Christian social ethics in order to construct a truly biblical vision of what it is to be a people of God."--Alice Mathews, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary"Reviving Evangelical Ethics offers an appreciative but rigorous critique of the ways that classical moral theory has limited ethics to reflection on the demands of duty, the achievement of certain results, or personal virtue. This important book redefines the boundaries of evangelical ethics in salutarily progressive ways, while raising timely cautions concerning the therapeutic models of spiritual formation that further inhibit the development of the social dimension of Christian ethics."--David A. deSilva, Ashland Theological Seminary"An important book for evangelicals. It seeks nothing less than a fresh, biblical, and formational direction in evangelical ethics. The book carefully assesses common contemporary evangelical stances and points the biblical and theological way forward toward truly evangelical ethics. It is a delightfully written, insightful book and deserves a wide reading."--Robert L. Hubbard, North Park Theological Seminary

Descubra la sabiduría de las mujeres menospreciadasEn una narración personal combinada con reflexión bíblica, la escritora cubanoamericana Kat Armas cuenta la historia de algunas teólogas anónimas e ignoradas --madres, abuelas, hermanas e hijas-- cuya sacra sabiduría nos enseña algo único sobre la espiritualidad y Dios."Armas integra magistralmente la verdad bíblica con la realidad social y nos invita a considerar el aprendizaje de las voces marginadas como un modo de crecer en la sabiduría y el conocimiento de Cristo".--Sandra María Van Opstal, directora ejecutiva de Chasing Justice"Armas nos recuerda que la teología puede ser vivida, no solo teorizada por los que tienen más poder social, y que se desarrolla precisamente en los lugares donde se nos ha dicho que no veamos".--Hillary L. McBride, psicóloga, escritora, oradora, presentadora de podcast"Armas muestra cómo ciertas mujeres poderosas --conocidas y anónimas-- a través de lo cotidiano han influido en el desenlace de la historia; mujeres que no solo llenan la Biblia, sino que también nuestras vidas. Así que sentémonos a los pies de Armas para que podamos obtener la sabiduría que tanto necesitamos para encarnar la abuelita fe".--Marlena Graves, autora de The Way Up Is Down"Toda una proeza. Armas nos atrae inmediatamente y audazmente al magnético y sabio abrazo cubano de su abuela a la vez que abre un universo íntimo de mujeres valientes y llenas de fe en la narrativa bíblica y más allá".--Mark Labberton, presidente, Fuller Theological Seminary"Armas nos invita al escenario de la marginalidad, un lugar lleno de lucha, fracaso, cuerpos, belleza y humanidad que todos deseamos ver y abrazar. Esta travesía nos estremecerá, nos volverá a unir y nos hará libres".--Danté Stewart, escritor y orador"Este libro ayudará a las personas a deshacerse y recuperarse de generaciones de patriarcado, y --al mismo tiempo-- a visualizar una comunidad de fe guiada por la sabiduría, el conocimiento y el liderazgo de las mujeres".--Patrick B. Reyes, galardonado autor chicano de The Purpose Gap y Nobody Cries When We Die

"This collection brings the venerable tradition of Catholic social justice in line with a newer generation's concerns about community, personal commitment, and liturgy. Social action and policy reform are integrally and dynamically related to the nature of the Christian life and the necessity of conversion. The book will be a superb teaching resource for students who want to link theology and tradition with the contemporary search for a meaningful way of life that includes justice and the common good."--Lisa Sowle Cahill, Boston College"This collection arises from the collaborative habits of a real community of teacher-scholars, philosophers, and theologians who live in the same place and talk to each other about the general education program in which they all work. Wise, timely, rigorous, and accessible to students, The Heart of Catholic Social Teaching is an ideal choice for an undergraduate course."--William L. Portier, University of Dayton"The Heart of Catholic Social Teaching moves beyond principles to the lifeblood of Catholic thought--scripture, Eucharist, Augustine, Aquinas, and more. The book will be a useful resource for those who teach the Catholic social tradition."--M. Therese Lysaught, Marquette University"Designing a penetrating and comprehensive introduction to Catholic social teaching presents no small challenge given the myriad of possibilities for structuring the material. David McCarthy and the contributors of The Heart of Catholic Social Teaching have done us an enormous service by providing a text that masterfully interweaves all the key time periods, figures, sources, documents, themes, and issues in Catholic social teaching. The book manages to present all of these different groupings as a unified, organically integrated introductory text. Just as important, the book presents the heart of Catholic social teaching in a manner whereby both its intellectual rigor and its practicality are accessible, such that the reader is not only enlightened but also empowered."--William C. Mattison III, Catholic University of America

"Matthew Bonzo and Michael Stevens here provide us with the clearest and most cordially inclined, but still clear-eyed, overview of Berry that I have seen to date. As the green-theology/neo-agrarian movement grows, this kind of careful reconsideration and assessment of its saints, forerunners, and older protagonists becomes increasingly pertinent and, indeed, even necessary."--Phyllis Tickle, author, The Great Emergence"Over the past fifty years Wendell Berry has given witness to a vision of our life together that is proving to be indispensable and prophetic. Bonzo and Stevens have gleaned a rich harvest from this vision, showing that Berry's voice is one today's church cannot ignore. Wendell Berry and the Cultivation of Life is an excellent introduction and guide for those seeking a better, healthier, saner world."--Norman Wirzba, Duke Divinity School "I have long ranked Wendell Berry among my most trustworthy guides as I have picked my way through the distorting and corrupting seductions of American culture. For forty years, in a succession of novels and poems and essays he has been reordering my Christian imagination to cultivate totalities, to live life as a spiritually organic whole."--Eugene Peterson, Regent College "Once one is exposed to the comprehensive wit of Wendell Berry, there is no going back. The question 'What Would Wendell Berry Do?' comes to inform all manner of decisions in our buying, selling, and doing. In a treatment that is both wide ranging and robustly evangelical, Bonzo and Stevens bring Berry's witness to bear on one dim-witted economy after another with an invigorating account of Berry's more magnanimous economic vision. In a constant call to look harder at the world we're in, creation is imagined not as a resource for endless plundering but rather as the place where God's kingdom, the great economy, comes, offering the hospitality that sustains, our only home and our only hope."--David Dark, author, The Gospel According to America

Maimonides called Job a "strange and wonderful book." For many, "strange" might well suffice. Though Job has been characterized as a theodicy, to the sincere reader the book can fail to satisfy the soul's longing for answers to the problem of suffering. Perhaps that in fact is the point of Job--there are no satisfactory propositional arguments for why people suffer. In this compact yet rich volume, philosopher of religion David Burrell shows that Job actually deconstructs the theories of theodicy proposed by commentators over the centuries. This is seen in the fact that Job's three friends themselves offer theodicies, but are rebuked in the end; whereas Job, who seeks only to speak to God, is granted his audience. Rather than providing an exegetical commentary, Burrell engages in theological and philosophical reflection on the major movements of the book. Deconstructing Theodicy also contains an interfaith perspective with the inclusion of a chapter by Islamic scholar A. H. Johns on the reading of the Job figure in the Koran. Burrell then goes on to examine the treatment of Job in four classical commentaries and finally explores Job's contribution to faith and theology as an affirmation that God hears and heeds our cries of anguish.