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What's Right with Islam: A New Vision for Muslims and the West
by Feisal Abdul RaufOne of the most pressing questions of our time is what went wrong in the relationship between Muslims and the West. Continuing global violence in the name of Islam reflects the deepest fears by certain Muslim factions of Western political, cultural, and economic encroachment. The solution requires finding common ground upon which to build mutual respect and understanding. Who better to offer such an analysis than an American Imam, someone with a foot in each world and the tools to examine the common roots of both Western and Muslim cultures; someone to explain to the non-Islamic West not just what went wrong with Islam, but What's Right with Islam. American Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf's mosque was only twelve blocks from the World Trade Center when it was attacked on September 11. In the aftermath, finding a common ground between his country and his religion became a personal quest. He began by looking back to a time before such divisions, back to our common ancestor, Abraham. Jews, Christians, and Muslims all claim Abraham as their patriarch, and the ethic this forebear imparted is an ethic still shared by all three traditions. Imam Rauf skillfully traces the evolution of these foundational beliefs through the golden age of Islam in medieval Cordoba and Baghdad, as well as the development of democratic and capitalist principles in the West. In stark contrast to thinkers such as Samuel P. Huntington and Bernard Lewis, who suggest the crisis is in Islam itself, Imam Rauf argues that what went wrong is the relationship between the Muslim world and the West. He offers a basis for rebuilding that relationship by arguing that Islamic principles actually support the fundamental values of a pluralistic, free society, uncovering the promise of a Muslim form of democratic capitalism within the Qur'an, the stories and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad, and Islamic Law. Focused on finding solutions, not on determining fault, this is ultimately a hopeful and inspiring book.
What's Right with the Trinity?: Conversations in Feminist Theology (Routledge New Critical Thinking in Religion, Theology and Biblical Studies)
by Hannah BaconThe doctrine of the Trinity poses a series of problems for feminist theology. At a basic level, the androcentric nature of trinitarian language serves to promote the male as more fully in the image of God and as the archetype of humanity, pushing women to the margins of personhood. It is no surprise then that feminist scholarship on this doctrine has often focused on what's wrong with the Trinity, setting out the problems raised by the use of traditional androcentric trinitarian language. This book brings together a discussion of feminist theological methodology with a critical exploration of the doctrine of the Trinity. Focussing on what's right with the Trinity as opposed to what's wrong with the Trinity, it considers the usefulness of this doctrine for feminist theology today. It replaces a stress on trinitarian language with an emphasis on trinitarian thought, exploring how we might effectively think rather than speak God in light of feminist concerns. In particular, it asks how a trinitarian understanding of God might support, and be supported by, key values which underpin a feminist way of doing theology, specifically values which underpin the methodological use of women's experience in feminist theology. The central argument is that thinking God as Trinity need not serve to reinforce patriarchal values and ideals but may in fact promote the subjectivity and personhood of women.
What's So Amazing About Grace?: The Church Backslides: How Legalism Corrupts
by Philip YanceyOVER ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD!Discover grace as you've never known it before: the most powerful force in the universe and our only hope for love and forgiveness. Grace is the church's great distinctive. It's the one thing the world cannot duplicate, and the one thing it craves above all else--for only grace can bring hope and transformation to a jaded world.In What's So Amazing About Grace? award-winning author Philip Yancey explores grace at street level. If grace is God's love for the undeserving, he asks, then what does it look like in action? And if Christians are its sole dispensers, then how are we doing at lavishing grace on a world that knows far more of cruelty and unforgiveness than it does of mercy?Yancey sets grace in the midst of life's stark images, tests its mettle against horrific "ungrace":Can grace survive in the midst of such atrocities as the Nazi holocaust?Can it triumph over the brutality of the Ku Klux Klan?Should any grace at all be shown to the likes of Jeffrey Dahmer, who killed and cannibalized seventeen young men?Grace does not excuse sin, says Yancey, but it treasures the sinner. True grace is shocking, scandalous. It shakes our conventions with its insistence on getting close to sinners and touching them with mercy and hope. It forgives the unfaithful spouse, the racist, the child abuser. It loves today's AIDS-ridden addict as much as the tax collector of Jesus's day.In his most personal and provocative book ever, Yancey offers compelling, true portraits of grace's life-changing power. He searches for its presence in his own life and in the church. He asks, How can Christians contend graciously with moral issues that threaten all they hold dear?And he challenges us to become living answers to a world that desperately wants to know, What's So Amazing About Grace?
What's So Amazing About Grace? Participant's Guide, Updated Edition
by Philip YanceyIn this six-session revised and updated video Bible study, bestselling author Philip Yancey explores the concept of grace—the one thing the world cannot duplicate and the one thing it craves above all else—and explores what it looks like in action. He also examines how Christians, as the sole dispensers, are doing at lavishing the grace on a world that knows far more of cruelty and unforgiveness than it does of mercy.As Yancey explains, true grace is shocking and scandalous, for God does not excuse sin but always treasures the sinner. God always extends his grace to individuals regardless of what they have done—for no one is unforgiveable in his eyes. Grace thus shakes our conventions with its insistence on getting close to sinners and touching them with mercy and hope. It forgives the unfaithful spouse, the racist, the child abuser. It loves today's AIDS-ridden addict as much as the tax collector of Jesus' day.Yancey offers compelling and true portraits of grace's life-changing power. He searches for its presence in his own life and in the church. He asks how Christians today can contend graciously with moral issues that threaten all they hold dear. And he challenges each of us to become living answers to a world that desperately wants to know, &“what&’s so amazing about grace.&”
What's So Amazing About Grace? Revised and Updated
by Philip YanceyOVER TWO MILLION COPIES SOLD!It's the most powerful force in the universe, our only hope for love and forgiveness, and a foretaste of eternal life: amazing, radical, life-changing grace.Millions of lives have been changed by award-winning author Philip Yancey's startling exploration of grace at street level. Grace is the one thing the world can't duplicate, the healing force we need, and the key to transforming a broken world.In this revised and updated edition of his personal and provocative book, Yancey offers true portraits of grace's life-changing power. These stories, set in the midst of life's stark realities, evoke such questions as:If grace is God's love for the undeserving, how do I get it?How well are we dispensing grace to a world that knows far more of strife and unforgiveness than it does of mercy?Can grace make a difference in the midst of such atrocities as the Nazi holocaust, and how can it withstand the brutality of hate? With powerful stories, rich theology, and practical suggestions, Yancey challenges us to become living answers to a world that desperately needs to know, What's So Amazing About Grace?
What's So Amazing About Grace? Study Guide: The Church Backslides: How Legalism Corrupts
by Philip YanceyWe speak of grace often. But do we understand it? More important, do we truly believe in it . . . and do our lives proclaim it as powerfully as our words? In What's So Amazing About Grace?, award-winning author Philip Yancey explores grace at street level.If grace is God's love for the undeserving, he asks, then what does it look like in action? And if Christians are its sole dispensers, then how are we doing at lavishing grace on a cruel and pain-filled world?In fourteen sessions, this study guide will help you to interact deeply with Yancey's most personal and provocative book yet. If you're willing to leave your comfort zone to embrace a more vigorous, passionate Christianity--read on. And prepare to grapple with grace and "un-grace" on a personal level.You'll consider how you can contend graciously with today's tough moral issues. And you'll discover how you can become Christ's answer to a world that desperately wants to know, What's So Amazing About Grace?
What's So Funny About God?: A Theological Look at Humor
by Steve WilkensIf you don't believe God has a sense of humor, just look in the mirror.What’s So Funny About God?
What's So Great About Christianity: Your Guide To Answering The New Atheists
by Dinesh D'SouzaIn a world of facts and figures, can an intellectual have faith? Is it possible to believe anything the Bible says? Yes, and one man will show you how. <P><P>Amidst scientists' attempts to debunk Christianity's truths and atheists' assuming the Bible is a how-to-be-virtuous self-help book, bestselling author Dinesh D'Souza resolves to both answer the tough questions and challenge believers as well as doubters to search for the ultimate truths about theories of origin. <P><P> D'Souza tackles subjects and events such as the Crusades and the Spanish Inquisition, the Big Bang theory and Darwinism-everything you always pondered but never scrutinized, now placed under the proverbial microscope and studied thoroughly.
What's So Great About Heaven
by Rose PublishingWhat is Heaven like? Popular media portrays boring white clouds, but many verses in the Bible give hints of a wonderful place of joy, vitality, and restoration. Whether you are just wondering or know someone facing death, the Heaven eBook explores everything Scripture says about that elusive and much-desired place. Some of the topics:Why is Heaven important?What do we mean by heaven?What can we know about heaven from the Bible?What kind of relationships will exist in heaven?Will we be able to recognize our loved ones in heaven?What is the new heaven and the new earth? This eBook gives biblical reasons to have confidence that we will recognize one another, that we will be freed from suffering and pain, and that we will have joy and a closeness with one another and with the Lord that is beyond our experience here.Gain new insights from the Greek words neos and kainos to see that our lives will be better, renewed, and transformed, to their original glory and purpose. Compare the media's view of heaven with the real vibrant heaven of Scripture.We have glimpses of heaven in our daily lives: in the love we experience for and from other people, in the majesty of nature's beauty and power, in the generosity and kindness of people in times of need, in the smile of a happy baby, in the loyalty and warmth of our pets, and in moments of deep emotional and spiritual connections with our loved ones and God.This eBook will give comfort and inspiration to those wondering about heaven. Those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ will know the joy and fulfillment of being in a place that has the best of this life and much more.Author: Benjamin Galan, MTS, ThM, Adjunct Professor of Old Testament Hebrew and Literature at Fuller Seminary.
What's So Spiritual about Your Gifts? (LifeChange Books)
by Henry Blackaby Mel BlackabyThe Old Testament is our "kindergarten" for understanding the pattern of the Holy Spirit's gifting and work. That pattern is this: God gives an assignment to a person; then the Holy Spirit is given to equip him or her for the assignment. The proof of the Spirit's presence is that the person is able to complete the assignment effectively through the supernatural enabling of the Holy Spirit. Truly understood and embraced, the Holy Spirit's gifts allow the Church to be Christ-centered, to maintain unity and oneness of heart, and to practice genuine, powerful love.WHAT EXACTLY HAVE YOU BEEN GIVEN? Surprises are in store when we explore biblically what spiritual gifts really are, how they fit with our natural strengths and talents, and how they match our calling and assignments from God. This book will help restore the Holy Spirit to the center of your understanding and practice of spiritual gifts, and set you free to serve God as never before.Story Behind the BookThe Old Testament is our "kindergarten" for understanding the pattern of the Holy Spirit's gifting and work. That pattern is this: God gives an assignment to a person; then the Holy Spirit is given to equip him or her for the assignment. The proof of the Spirit's presence is that the person is able to complete the assignment effectively through the supernatural enabling of the Holy Spirit. Truly understood and embraced, the Holy Spirit's gifts allow the church to be Christ-centered, to maintain unity and oneness of heart, and to practice genuine, powerful love.From the Hardcover edition.
What's the Big Idea?
by Tracey TurnerHave you ever wondered what capitalism is? How about feminism, ecology, epidemiology or astronomy? Well, this book will give you straightforward, easy-to-understand answers to all your troublesome-word questions WITHOUT going on and on for ages OR using even BIGGER words to explain them. Informative, bite-sized explanations alongside beautiful, eye-catching illustrations will help readers aged 8+ understand crucial concepts, giving them the power to take part in the most important conversations on the planet. Perfect for inquisitive minds, this book will appeal to fans of Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls, Big Ideas for Curious Minds and beyond.More than 100 big words and ideas, simply explained.
What's the Deal With …?: 500 Questions Today's Students Are Asking about the Biggest Issues in Life (Quick Questions)
by Brian SchulenburgIt was a sixteen-year-old named Charlie who first started asking Brian Schulenburg the tough questions about faith, God, and life. And since then, Brian meets every other week with dozens of students who are asking the same questions. While he doesn’t have all the answers, he’s found that just letting the students ask the questions and wrestle through them together, life change is happening. Here you’ll find 500 of those tough questions, perfect for you to use with your own students. You’ll get them thinking and talking about the things that probably confuse and bewilder them. Questions like: • What’s the deal with the Bible? How do we know that we can trust it? • What’s the deal with heaven? Will there be sex in heaven? • What’s the deal with sin? Are some sins worse than others? • What’s the deal with dinosaurs? Were there dinosaurs on the ark? • What’s the deal with tragedy? Why would God let a baby die? There may not always be a “right” answer, but there will be great discussions that lead to life change. If you’re looking for a way to get your students talking and thinking about some of the deeper issues of faith and life, What’s the Deal With… is the perfect book to keep on hand.
What's the Least I Can Believe and Still Be a Christian?
by Martin ThielenPastor and author Martin Thielen has compiled a list of ten things Christians need to believe--and ten things they don't--to be Christians. This lively and engaging book will be a help to seekers as well as a comfort to believers who may find themselves questioning some of the assumptions they grew up with. Many people in the twenty-first century hunger for an expression of Christian faith that is different from the judgmental and narrow-minded caricatures they see on television or in the news. With an accessible style that's grounded in solid biblical scholarship, Thielen shows how Christians don't need to believe that sinners will be "left behind" to burn in hell or that it's heresy to believe in evolution. And while we must always take the Bible seriously, we don't always have to take it literally. At the same time, Christians do need to believe in Jesus--his life, his teachings, his death and resurrection, and his vision for the world. Thielen articulates centrist, mainline Christianity in a way that's fresh and easy to understand and offers authentic Christian insights that speak to our deepest needs. This is an ideal book for individual, group, or congregational study.
What's the Point of Theology?: Wisdom, Wellbeing and Wonder
by Alister E. McGrathTheology is the study of the nature of God and of religious belief. But why should that matter to us?What's the point of theology?In this wonderfully accessible book, renowned theologian Alister McGrath answers that question--What's the point of theology?--and explores the depth and breadth theology can bring to our lives. Drawing on insights from his experience of coming to Christianity from atheism, this exhilarating and enlightening volume reveals how theology can help us grow in wisdom, contribute to our wellbeing, spark our innate sense of wonder, and above all, grow in faith and love as we draw ever closer to the divine. Ideal for new and seasoned Christians who want to engage more deeply with their faith, as well as those who are puzzled by spiritual matters and curious to find out more, What's the Point of Theology? will open your eyes to all that theology has to offer--a wiser understanding of what really matters, a richer vision of the good life, a deeper appreciation of the beauty of nature, and an avenue to strengthen your faith and relationship with God.
What's Up with Boys?: Everything You Need to Know about Guys (Invert Ser.)
by Crystal KirgissWritten in a straightforward, honest manner, What’s Up with Boys? gives you insight into the lives of the male species. Going beyond the stereotypes—even if some are funny—Crystal Kirgiss offers concrete information about guys that will help you understand, appreciate, respect, and accept guys as God created them. Inside, you’ll find answers to questions such as: • What is the gender gap? • What does the Bible say about males and females—and what is God’s purpose for creating each? • How do biological factors affect boys’ behavior, thoughts, and actions? • Why do girls tend to speak thousands of more words a day than guys? • Why do boys sometimes seem immature? From biblical facts to common sense, humor, and thousands of surveys and interviews, What’s Up With Boys? is your practical handbook on how to deal with the guys in your life.
What's Up with Lyle?: Level 1 (I Can Read! / Big Idea Books / VeggieTales)
by Karen PothA Lesson in Using Your GiftsLyle the Viking likes to knit. What will Lyle&’s friends think when he uses his special gift to teach his friends a lesson?This is a Level One I Can Read! book, which means it&’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. It aligns with guided reading level I and will be of interest to children Pre-K to 2nd grade.
What's Wrong with Mindfulness (And What Isn't): Zen Perspectives
by Robert Rosenbaum Barry MagidMindfulness seems to be everywhere--but are we sure that's a good thing? Teachers Sallie Jiko Tisdale, Gil Fronsdal, Norman Fischer, and more explain how removing mindfulness from Buddhism may set a dangerous precedent. Mindfulness is in fashion. Oprah loves it, Google teaches it to employees--it has become widespread as a cure-all for stress, health problems and psychological difficulties, interpersonal trouble, and existential anxiety. However, when its proponents try to make it more accessible by severing it from its Buddhist roots, they run the risk of leeching mindfulness of its transformative power. Taught outside of its ethical and spiritual context it becomes a mere means to an end, rather than a way of life. Mindfulness is in danger of being co-opted into the spiritual equivalent of fast food: "McMindfulness." Instead of being better people, we just become better employees, better consumers. The Zen teachers gathered here ask a bold question: Is universal mindfulness really a good thing? Ranging from thoughtful critiques to personal accounts of integrating mindfulness into daily life, each chapter offers insights to ground mindfulness in a deeper understanding of both where it comes from, and where it might be headed. With contributions from Marc Poirer, Robert Meikyo Rosenbaum, Barry Magid, Hozan Alan Senauke, Sallie Jiko Tisdale, Gil Fronsdal, Max Erdstein, Zoketsu Norman Fischer, Janet Jiryu Abels, Grace Schireson, Sojun Mel Weitsman, and Robert Sharf.
What’s Your Mark?
by Jeremy CowartWho was Jesus? What was his story? What mark did he leave? What's your story? What will be your mark?Join celebrity photographer and social artist Jeremy Cowart as he presents 16 compelling stories of people who are making their mark today. Their stories are just a sampling of the stories that all followers of Jesus can tell—stories from those in all walks of life whose inspiration is rooted in the truths found in the Gospel of Mark. And you’ll be inspired to make your mark—whether through your occupation, your talents or your selfless love and giving to others. Your mark may be teaching children at a school or at home, helping the homeless, or providing food to the hungry. Your mark might be an accidental mark, a reluctant mark, or an intentional mark. Whatever your mark, you’ll be inspired by the stories inside this new ebook What’s Your Mark?Become a mark-maker today, and make every moment of your life count.This ebook includes:• 112 full-color pages of Scripture, stories, and photography by renowned photographer Jeremy Cowart• 16 photos and stories of people—some names you’ll recognize, others not so well known—making their mark• Scripture text of the Gospel of Mark from the bestselling New International Version (NIV) Bible
What's Your Ministry?: 13 Ways To be 'All In'
by Carrie ShappellWhat could a girl who has lived a “charmed life” possibly have to tell the world? She doesn’t really have a story, right? Carrie Lightfoot Shappell is fully aware that even in this “charmed life” she would have nothing without God’s love, His sacrifice, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Psalms 96:3, David tells us to, “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” So, what does that mean? As Christians, we all have a story that we can share!Sometimes we forget this truth and we fail to see that God meets us exactly where we are. We miss out on opportunities to tell His good news, no matter where we are or what we have/haven’t experienced. We all have a purpose! We just need to believe this and be willing to slow down, in order to embrace and live out His plan. Throughout the past 40 years, God has given Carrie insightful perspectives in life’s successes and in life’s challenges/failures. God is not finished yet. Carrie has opened her heart to His calling, and He has commissioned her to share with the world what she has learned so far.We all have a ministry, and we can live it every single day. It doesn’t have to be a ministry within the church because we are given opportunities to be His hands and feet in our schools, our workplaces, and our communities. God has given us gifts to use in order to help others know His love and to help build His kingdom here on Earth. Our gift back is being “all in” for God and using those gifts to glorify Him.In What’s Your Ministry: 13 Ways to Be “All In”, Carrie guides her readers through parts of her personal journey to share what God has shown her throughout life. At the same time, she challenges readers to be “all in” for God. This book, which intertwines a real- life story of finding her ministry with 13 steps to being “all in,” provides readers with the following:Examples of scripturePractical ways to live intentionally for GodActivities for reflectionAre you “all in?” What’s your ministry?
What's Your Passion?
by Ken GaubIf we are Christians, we have a command from the Lord to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, to everyone! How many of us, though, really do? How many of us actively share our faith? Perhaps, if we're honest, not many of us are doing much to fulfill the Great Commision. Enter Ken Gaub. This "witnessing dynamo" has spent the past half-century enthusiastically obeying our Lord. Ken is a man with rare communication skills, an evangelist traveling the globe to increase the Kingdom. He relates practical ways to overcome social barriers, awkwardness, and roadblocks of all kinds to effect a bold change in a person's witnessing habits. You might not have had the opportunity to approach a stranger in the Philippines, or Jerusalem, or Topeka, Kansas, as Ken has, but this book will help you become a soul-winner in your hometown! Through humor, biblical principles, and a zealous heart for people, Ken Gaub is lighting a clear path to sharing the Good News one-on-one!
What's Your Secret?
by Aaron SternShhhh.... Is there something about you that you hope no one else ever finds out? You're not alone. Everyone has secrets--hurts, abuses, bad habits, fears. Big or small, secrets can destroy you from the inside out. The good news is that confession is more powerful than secrets--or the fear that keeps you from telling them. In What's Your Secret? Aaron Stern shows you · the powerful roots of secret-keeping· the difference between "good" secrets and "bad" secrets· what confession is (and isn't)· why letting go of secrets is so much more enjoyable than living in fear· how to strategically live a secret-free life Using personal stories and anonymous confessions from others, Aaron will remind you of the beauty of forgiveness and the joy that comes from living in the freedom God has always wanted you to have.
What's Your Story? Leader Guide: Seeing Your Life Through God’s Eyes (What's Your Story?)
by Sarah HeathEnvision your life as an adventure co-created by God. This study explores Joseph's story. He accomplished great things in Egypt, but he didn't really understand his story's significance until he recognized what God was doing through him. Sarah Heath helps you explore your own life story in the same way. By doing so, you'll discover how to co-create with God the kind of life that will be a page-turner. This Leader Guide is designed to be used alongside the book What's Your Story and the DVD to guide small group discussion. It contains detailed lesson plans for each session, as well as plans for a bonus session in which participants tell their stories to one another.
What's Your Worldview? An Interactive Approach to Life's Big Questions
by James N. AndersonHow do you view the world? It’s a big question. And how you answer is one of the most important things about you. Not sure what you’d say? Join James Anderson on an interactive journey of discovery aimed at helping you understand and evaluate the options when it comes to identifying your worldview. Cast in the mold of a classic “Choose Your Own Adventure” story, What’s Your Worldview? will guide you toward finding intellectually satisfying answers to life’s biggest questions—equipping you to think carefully about not only what you believe but why you believe it and how it impacts the rest of your life.
Wheat That Springeth Green
by Katherine A. Powers J. F. PowersWheat That Springeth Green, J. F. Powers's beautifully realized final work, is a comic foray into the commercialized wilderness of modern American life. Its hero, Joe Hackett, is a high school track star who sets out to be a saint. But seminary life and priestly apprenticeship soon damp his ardor, and by the time he has been given a parish of his own he has traded in his hair shirt for the consolations of baseball and beer. Meanwhile Joe's higher-ups are pressing for an increase in profits from the collection plate, suburban Inglenook's biggest business wants to launch its new line of missiles with a blessing, and not all that far away, in Vietnam, a war is going on. Joe wants to duck and cover, but in the end, almost in spite of himself, he is condemned to do something right.J. F. Powers was a virtuoso of the American language with a perfect ear for the telling clich? and an unfailing eye for the kitsch that clutters up our lives. This funny and very moving novel about the making and remaking of a priest is one of his finest achievements.