"Rationalising the Bible" is a collection of volumes that cover the books of the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible. Written by mostly unidentified authors, the Bible is generally attributed with being the moral compass of the world of Judeo-Christian religious adherents. In fact, the Bible is mostly mythological history, inaccurate science, exaggerated reports of violence and discrimination against the people who settled the Fertile Crescent, and a set of laws plagiarised from those already in existence in the area. Even the writing of it, claimed to be that of the patriarchs, can clearly be identified, in the reading of it, as belonging rather to a period when all people in the civilised world were writing their stories. It was not written, as atheists often charge, by illiterate nomadic tribespeople in pre-history. Instead, it was written by politicians and priests at a time when the western civilisations were making their mark on the world's politics.

"Rationalising the Bible" is a collection of volumes that cover the books of the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible. Written by mostly unidentified authors, the Bible is generally attributed with being the moral compass of the world of Judeo-Christian religious adherents. In fact, the Bible is mostly mythological history, inaccurate science, exaggerated reports of violence and discrimination against the people who settled the Fertile Crescent, and a set of laws plagiarised from those already in existence in the area. Even the writing of it, claimed to be that of the patriarchs, can clearly be identified, in the reading of it, as belonging rather to a period when all people in the civilised world were writing their stories. It was not written, as atheists often charge, by illiterate nomadic tribespeople in pre-history. Instead, it was written by politicians and priests at a time when the western civilisations were making their mark on the world's politics.

Substantial articles on 2000+ Greek words that are theologically significant in the New Testament. Traces usage in classical Greek literature, the Septuagint, intertestamental texts, and the New Testament.

Tim Sledge pulls back the curtain on Southern Baptist life as he chronicles nearly four decades of ministry in this highly personal, sometimes painful, and frequently provocative spiritual autobiography. Part memoir, part expos , part polemic-this is an account of failures as well as accomplishments-and very nearly a case study in how faith may begin, how it evolves, and how it can fall apart. Sledge traces the childhood origins of his sincere faith, his efforts at spiritual obedience, his theological education, his climb up the ladder in ministry, his insights into the challenges of growth-oriented leadership, and his pioneering work in faith-based recovery ministries that ultimately guided participants in 20,000 support groups across the U.S. A recurring theme in his story is coming to grips with the significance of being an adult child of an alcoholic. After a fall from grace and a growing awareness that faith no longer worked for him, his journey took a new direction that required examining alternatives to his former belief system including Deism, agnosticism, humanism, and atheism. Ultimately, he found new ways to live a positive, value-driven life and emerged as a new version of the same person he had always been, still interested in creating avenues for personal growth in the lives of others. Goodbye Jesus is a relatable and thoughtful read for those seeking to better understand the evangelical mindset, for Christians who are questioning their faith, for ministers trying to decide whether to stay or go, and for those who have left their faith and are dealing with its loss.

Substantial articles on 2000+ Greek words that are theologically significant in the New Testament. Traces usage in classical Greek literature, the Septuagint, intertestamental texts, and the New Testament.

Part of the Studies in Antiquity series, these 21 essays feature interpretations of the Hebrew Bible using the comprehensive, interpretive methodology developed by Rolf P. Knierim.

Dieser erste Teilband des dritten und letzten Bandes des HBOT-Projekts setzt die kritische Darstellung der ganzen Rezeptions-, Auslegungs- und Forschungsgeschichte der Hebräischen Bibel / des Alten Testaments fort und berücksichtigt die neuen Aspekte dieser Geschichte im neunzehnten Jahrhundert, und zwar auf jüdischer wie auf christlicher Seite, unter katholischen wie unter protestantischen Theologen und Forschern. Dabei macht sich vor allem eine neue Faszination des Phänomens einer vielfältigen und bunten Geschichte bemerkbar; die »Geschichte« rückt in den Brennpunkt, und mit dem immer breiter ausgreifenden und vielfältigen historischen Kontext tritt ein entschieden stärkeres Interesse an historischen Fragestellungen bei der Auslegung und Erforschung der Bibel in den Vordergrund. Diese Kursänderung kommt namentlich an den Tag, wenn das Alte Testament in seinen vorderorientalischen Kontext näher eingeordnet wird, während die Bezüge zur Kirche und Synagoge mehr oder weniger geschwächt werden. Sobald eine historisch-kritische Annäherungsweise und Methode in der Bibelforschung allmählich an Dominanz gewinnt, gerät das Verhältnis zwischen der neuen wissenschaftlichen Exegese und der herkömmlichen kirchlichen Auslegung des Alten Testaments mehrfach in eine Krise, und zudem werden Streitigkeiten zwischen Fronten hervorgerufen; doch enthält diese weithin krisenhafte Lage noch Möglichkeiten fruchtbarer Neuorientierungen – in der Bibelwissenschaft wie in Leben und Lehre der Kirchen. Dabei greift das auslaufende 19. Jahrhundert auf das 20. Jahrhundert aus.

This unique commentary provides historical, social and cultural background for each passage of the Old Testament. From Genesis through Malachi, this single volume gathers and condenses an abundance of specialized knowledge, and includes a glossary, maps and charts, and expanded explanations of significant background issues.

Charles J. Ellicott Bible Commentary on the Whole for English Readers, Volume 3 of 3. Charles Ellicott wrote this exceptional Bible commentary to be used for Pastors and Students. It is written to be explained rather than to be technical so that as to reach all English readers. Charles Ellicott focuses on the English explanation rather than the Greek and addresses the expository side less than the technical since this does not contain Greek words or terminology. Dr. Charles Ellicott assembled and edited this commentary, utilizing 28 different authors, including Rev. Payne Smith, Rev. C. J. Elliott, and Rev. C. H. Waller. This is a must have for anyone desiring a greater understanding of the Bible as a whole. The scripture and commentary are on the same page making it easy to read and understand. This commentary is one that you will treasure in your library and you will not want to let this one pass you by.

Socio-Historical Examination of Religion and Ministry (SHERM journal) is a biannual, not-for-profit, free peer-reviewed academic journal that publishes the latest social-scientific, historiographic, and ecclesiastic research on religious institutions and their ministerial practices. SHERM is dedicated to the critical and scholarly inquiry of historical and contemporary religious phenomena, both from within particular religious traditions and across cultural boundaries, so as to inform the broader socio-historical analysis of religion and its related fields of study. The purpose of SHERM is to provide a scholarly medium for the social-scientific study of religion where specialists can publish advanced studies on religious trends, theologies, rituals, philosophies, socio-political influences, or experimental and applied ministry research in the hopes of generating enthusiasm for the vocational and academic study of religion while fostering collegiality among religious specialists. Its mission is to provide academics, professionals, and nonspecialists with critical reflections and evidence-based insights into the socio-historical study of religion and, where appropriate, its implications for ministry and expressions of religiosity.