Between the world of Ta-Nehisi Coates and Christianity there appears to be the widest difference. Coates's brief comments on Christianity in his highly acclaimed Between the World and Me make clear that religious faith is alien to his own experience. Still, Christian audiences from congregations to theological schools engaged the text for its analysis of the state of race relations in the United States. In September 2015, Ta-Nehisi Coates t ...
The New Testament contains numerous statements by Jesus and New Testament authors that seem to suggest that Jesus was coming back soon, in their lifetime! But two thousand years later here we still are. How do we handle this apparent «failed prophecy»? Did Jesus and his followers get it wrong? Did they miscalculate the timing of Jesus' return? Or were Jesus and the authors of the New Testament anticipating something else? The purpose of thi ...
Contrary to popular belief, the biblical prophets do far more than predict the future. They speak truth to power, they tell the truth about the uncomfortable past, they indict empty religiosity, they advocate for poor people and working people while seeking justice–all at tremendous risk to themselves. In Walking in the Prophetic Tradition Jason Bembry argues that the prophets have too often been domesticated by cultural impulses that reduce the ...
This story takes place in the supernatural world of Oralee. It centers on the Elfdins who have forgotten how to use their supernatural powers and have reverted to natural or physical means for warfare. The lack of knowledge causes them to be beaten by their evil enemy. However, an awakening begins with them desiring to find the Gold Temple, the humans, their sacred books, and learn how to gain back their supernatural powers. This is quite a dang ...
Veterans who experience the overwhelming trauma of war are often still stuck in the far country. In the aftermath, many feel abandoned by God. Adam D. Tietje suggests that Holy Saturday, Christ's descent into hell, is the place where God fully identifies with our God-abandonment. In light of the resurrection, it can be seen that the complete hiddenness of God on Holy Saturday is in fact the fullness of revelation. God has chosen to be revea ...
Stop worrying. That is easier said than done. One of the greatest struggles in many of our lives is anxiety, dread, fear, and the feeling of hopelessness. In Stop Worrying, He Reigns, we take a journey through the book of Esther to discover the timeless truths regarding the sovereignty of God and its practical application for our anxious hearts and heavy souls. We are compelled by a storyline where God's name is never mentioned, yet he is t ...
Robert Jenson has been praised by Stanley Hauerwas, David Bentley Hart, Wolfhart Pannenberg, and others as one of the most creative and important contemporary theologians. But his work is daunting for many, both because of its conceptual demands and because of Jenson's unusual prose style. This book is an attempt to give Jenson the kind of hearing that puts his creativity and significance on display, and allows newcomers to and old friends ...
Dao De Jing is an ancient wisdom book, purportedly written by Laozi, who flourished in the sixth century BCE according to the Chinese tradition. It is comprised of eighty-one short poems of which the source is diverse, ranging from personal life to communal and political life. It uses abundant metaphors taken from nature such as water, dust, river, wood, and valley. Laozi reminds his readers to rethink their worldview and purpose of life. Parabl ...
