This edition offers research, statistics and stories that document-increased participation in religious groups in the US in the 21st century. New chapters chart the development of African American churches from the early 19th century and the ethnic religious communities of recent immigrants.

Impressive . . . bound to generate lively discussion--and not a little controversy--within the nation's church community.

This book offers the first modern theory of religion. A deductive theory, beginning with seven axioms about human nature and the world humans inhabit, it derives hundreds of formal propositions about human religious behavior. Included are the origins of religion, the sources of religious commitment, the development of religious institutions, the emergence of religious movements, and the postulation of good and evil gods. Step by step, the authors explain the social processes of recruitment to a group, propagation of a faith, and competition between denominations. They show that secularization is a never-ending process in which particular faiths are discredited while new faiths arise to take their place. Thus, religion is an eternal human response to the conditions of existence, changing in form throughout history but always a vital part of culture and society.

For centuries Christians have had the concept of the priesthood of all believers firmly engrained in their minds. The prophethood of all believers, on the other hand, is, so Stronstad believes, the main focus of Spirit-baptism in Luke-Acts. A landmark study in Lukan pneumatology, this book is aimed at a mixed readership ranging from the scholar to the informed layperson. The role of the Spirit in Luke is clearly portrayed in terms of vocational empowerment. Traditionally, Lukan pneumatology has been viewed through Pauline or Johannine spectacles, but by interpreting Luke independently of the other Gospels and the epistles, Stronstad has cogently argued for the historical and contemporary relevance of Spirit-baptism. He challenges the reader to develop a new appreciation of Luke's theology of the Holy Spirit, and, in fact, to consider the role of the prophethood of all believers for today's world.

Martin Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses on the church door at Wittenberg in 1517. In the three years that followed, Luther clarified and defended his position in numerous writings. Chief among these are the three treatises written in 1520. In these writings Luther tried to frame his ideas in terms that would be comprehensible not only to the clergy but to people from a wide range of backgrounds. To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation is an attack on the corruption of the church and the abuses of its authority, bringing to light many of the underlying reasons for the Reformation. The second treatise, The Babylonian Captivity of the Church, contains Luther's sharp criticism of the sacramental system of the Catholic church. The Freedom of a Christian gives a concise presentation of Luther's position on the doctrine of justification by faith. The translations of these treatises are all taken from the American edition of Luther's Works. This new edition of Three Treatises will continue to be a popular resource for individual study, church school classes, and college and seminary courses.

Francis Schaeffer (1912-1984) was probably the single greatest intellectual influence on young evangelicals of the 1960s and '70s. He was cultural critic, popular mentor, political activist, Christian apologist, founder of L'Abri, and the author of over twenty books and two important films. It is impossible to understand the intellectual world of contemporary evangelicalism apart from Francis Schaeffer.Barry Hankins has written a critical but appreciative biography that explains how Schaeffer was shaped by the contexts of his life -- from young fundamentalist pastor in America, to greatly admired mentor, to lecturer and activist who encouraged world-wary evangelicals to engage the culture around them. Drawing extensively from primary sources, including personal interviews, Hankins paints a picture of a complex, sometimes flawed, but ultimately prophetic figure in American evangelicalism and beyond.

An intercultural ministry expert demonstrates the necessity of Cultural Intelligence for effectively serving an increasingly diverse church and world.

Places of Faith will offer an introduction to America's astounding religious diversity by taking readers on a cross-country religious road trip. Christopher Scheitle and Roger Finke have crisscrossed the country visiting churches in small towns and rural areas as well as the mega-churches, storefronts, synagogues, Islamic centers, Eastern temples, and other places of faith in major cities. Each stop on their tour provides an opportunity to introduce a particular current of American religion.

With rich description and insightful interviews, Russell Jeung uncovers why and how Chinese and Japanese American Christians are building new, pan-Asian organizations. Detailed surveys of over fifty Chinese and Japanese American congregations in the San Francisco Bay area show how symbolic racial identities structure Asian American congregations. Evangelical ministers differ from mainline Christian ministers in their construction of Asian American identity. Mobilizing around these distinct identities, evangelicals and mainline Christians have developed unique pan-Asian styles of worship, ministries, and church activities. Portraits of two churches further illustrate how symbolic racial identities affect congregational life and ministries. The book concludes with a look at Asian American-led multiethnic churches.

Whether you're starting your first church, or know you need to re-evaluate your current ministry, the collection of checklists and step-by-step walkthroughs in Setting the Atmosphere for the Day of Worship will provide many "Aha! moments for crafting your church's ultimate worship experience.The practical insights gained from decades of study and pastoral experience, provide a holistic framework from which churches can critique their vision and practices from a wide spectrum of practical, service-related topics. The process will help you achieve greatly desired outcomes for each aspect of your worship services, and you will be empowered to act intentionally toward excellence in ministry.Setting the Atmosphere for the Day of Worship is also a practical, approachable, and direct blueprint for church planters, and will be a great help before the launch. You will also find this book will help you most effectively steward your God-given resources to reach many more people with the life-changing message of Christ.