Discusses the role of praise in religion, examines the meaning of the Doxology, and considers the theology of praise

This book brings together fifteen articles representing the major thrusts of Prof. Wright's work over the last decade. They focus on three interrelated themes in the study of Early Judaism. (1) Translation. Several essays treat Jewish translation strategies as well as some of the social frameworks within which translation took place. (2) Social Location. The effort to locate texts in their social landscapes has helped to break down many traditional scholarly categories. Especially pertinent are the ways that wisdom and apocalyptic relate to each other, and he explores how specific wisdom and apocalyptic texts relate. (3) Transmission of Tradition. Several articles focus on how traditional material was shaped and framed in order to ensure its successful transmission to subsequent generations.

Worship in Ancient Israel is a history of worship in Israel, from the age of the patriarchs until the New Testament period. The author begins by discussing the faith of the patriarchs and the ways in which the worship of Yahweh came into Israel. He goes on to discuss aspects of this worship during the monarchy: the cult, the temple, psalmody, and the relation of prophecy to liturgy. The institution of the Synagogue is then considered, and the final chapter of the book deals with the forms and the spirit of worship. Professor Rowley reviews all the current arguments upon the subject with his usual sound judgement. It is my hope, he says, that I may have stimulated interest in an aspect of Old Testament study which has been far too long neglected and which is today commanding the increasing interest of scholars. Worship in Ancient Israel is an expansion of the Edward Cadbury Lectures delivered in the University of Birmingham in 1965.

Praise Seeking Understanding sits at the intersection of three important fields in theology: theological exegesis, Augustinian studies, and contemporary church practice. Jason Byassee deftly brings the three together, revealing an important symbiotic relationship between them -- a relationship hitherto largely ignored. Though current exegetical methods have swung away from a Christological reading of the Old Testament -- rejecting in particular Augustine's treatment of the text -- Byassee believes that is a mistake we must remedy. Using a recent translation of Augustine's Enarrationes in Psalmos, Byassee describes in depth Augustine's psalm hermeneutic and his approach to scripture generally, offering a defense of these views in conversation with recent work in theological exegesis.

Anchored in Jewish ethical tradition and community-building, Hope Into Practice is an activist's call to repair the world. Linking recovery from internalized anti-Semitism (and sexism) with more empowered/effective activism for social justice, this book brings to life an irresistible blend of women's healing stories, history, and a fair-minded perspective on Israel-Palestine - as well as in-depth discussions of anti-Semitism, Jewish trauma, racism, white privilege, assimilation, and liberation --inviting us to have the courage to face our fears but not act on them: to choose justice, despite our fears. To date, Hope into Practice has received 5 awards, including the Association for Women in Psychology Jewish Caucus Award.

Join renowned teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan as he travels through the land of the Bible. In each lesson, Vander Laan illuminates the historical, geographical, and cultural context of the sacred Scriptures. Filmed on location in Israel, the That the World May Know video series transforms participants’ understanding of God and challenges them to be a true follower of Jesus. The That the World May Know video Bible study series is ideal for use by pastors and small group leaders, as well as anyone interested in deeper, biblical learning. Designed for use with the Israel’s Mission Video Study (sold separately).

A PopMatters Best Book of the Year A perceptive study of how Israel’s actions, which run counter to the traditional historical values of Judaism, are putting Jewish people worldwide in an increasingly untenable position, now with a new introduction. More than a decade ago, the historian Tony Judt considered whether the behavior of Israel was becoming not only “bad for Israel itself” but also, on a wider scale, “bad for the Jews.” Under the leadership of Benjamin Netanyahu, this issue has grown ever more urgent. In The State of Israel vs. the Jews, veteran journalist Sylvain Cypel addresses it in depth, exploring Israel’s rightward shift on the international scene and with regard to the diaspora. Cypel reviews the little-known details of the military occupation of Palestinian territory, the mindset of ethnic superiority that reigns throughout an Israeli “colonial camp” that is largely in the majority, and the adoption of new laws, the most serious of which establishes two-tier citizenship between Jews and non-Jews. He shows how Israel has aligned itself with authoritarian regimes and adopted the practices of a security state, including the use of technologies such as the software that enabled the tracking and, ultimately, the assassination of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Lastly, The State of Israel vs. the Jews examines the impact of Israel’s evolution in recent years on the two main communities of the Jewish diaspora, in France and the United States, considering how and why public figures in each differ in their approaches.

Rarely do we consider praise to be the key to a life of purpose, freedom and joy and yet it is the essence of life! In the Transforming Power of Praise, Phil Warren takes us on a journey into the exciting dynamic of praise in all its many forms, exploring each one as a passionate invitation to a life lived at its fullest. Here we discover God inhabits the praises of His people. His Presence is irresistibly drawn to our praise and His power is released when we find a myriad reasons to go deeper in our praise. Praise is what we are created for. Take hold of this key, open wide the gates, and be forever transformed. To live is truly praise. As well as being biblically well-researched on the subject, Phil writes with disarming honesty from his own life experience of praise encounters with his God. You will not fail to be spiritually enriched as you read this book and allow its content to permeate your life. As he rightly says, we are made for praise and reading this will bring you much blessing. John and Anne Coles, Leaders of New Wine Phil Warrens book opens up the reader to the richness and invitation of scripture particularly in its use of the Book of Psalms to any who would wish to explore a life of praise and service. The writer offers his own experiences both of being held in Gods love and of sharing that love with others. Its a book to be enjoyed and explored slowly and in depth. Take its learning and be enriched. Bishop Trevor Wilmot, Bishop of Canterbury Phil is a man that truly models and walks the life of a worshipper, one who lives in humility and adoration of Jesus, impacting many. Im thrilled at the release of this book, as it teaches, inspires and empowers the believer to live a lifestyle of praise that will birth greater joy, freedom and transformation in their life! Steve Tebb, UK Worship Leader Its not often that I read a book that caused me to stop reading every few minutes because unstoppable praise for Jesus spontaneously erupted on my lips, as the majesty of Christ, His Presence and the beauty of holiness overwhelmed me. Im so thankful to Phil for writing this book! Duncan Smith, President of Catch the Fire