The world cries out for a prophetic word to the chaos, unrest, and destructiveness of our times. Can the biblical prophets speak into our world today? Old Testament ethicist M. Daniel Carroll R. shows that learning from the prophets can make us better prepared for Christian witness. In this guide to the ethical material of Old Testament prophetic literature, Carroll highlights key ethical concerns of the three prophets most associated with social critique--Amos, Isaiah, and Micah--showing their relevance for those who wish to speak with a prophetic voice today. The book focuses on the pride that generates injustice and the religious life that legitimates an unacceptable status quo--both of which bring judgment--as well as the ethical importance of the visions of restoration after divine judgment. Each of these components in the biblical text makes its own particular call to readers to respond in an appropriate manner. The book also links biblical teaching with prophetic voices of the modern era.

"The world today cries out for a prophetic word to the chaos, unrest, and destructiveness of our times. A leading Old Testament ethicist highlights three key ethical concerns of the Old Testament prophets, showing how they can speak into our world"--

Robert Barron is one of the Catholic Church's premier theologians and author of the influential The Priority of Christ. In this volume, Barron sets forth a thoroughgoing vision for an evangelical catholic theology that is steeped in the tradition and engaged with the contemporary world. Striking a balance between academic rigor and accessibility, the book covers issues of perennial interest in the twenty-first-century church: who God is, how to rightly worship him, and how his followers engage contemporary culture. Topics include the doctrine of God, Catholic theology, philosophy, liturgy, and evangelizing the culture. This work will be of special interest to readers concerned about the so-called "new atheism."

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From one of the world’s most influential spiritual thinkers, a long-awaited book exploring what it means that Jesus was called “Christ,” and how this forgotten truth can restore hope and meaning to our lives. “Anyone who strives to put their faith into action will find encouragement and inspiration in the pages of this book.”—Melinda Gates In his decades as a globally recognized teacher, Richard Rohr has helped millions realize what is at stake in matters of faith and spirituality. Yet Rohr has never written on the most perennially talked about topic in Christianity: Jesus. Most know who Jesus was, but who was Christ? Is the word simply Jesus’s last name? Too often, Rohr writes, our understandings have been limited by culture, religious debate, and the human tendency to put ourselves at the center. Drawing on scripture, history, and spiritual practice, Rohr articulates a transformative view of Jesus Christ as a portrait of God’s constant, unfolding work in the world. “God loves things by becoming them,” he writes, and Jesus’s life was meant to declare that humanity has never been separate from God—except by its own negative choice. When we recover this fundamental truth, faith becomes less about proving Jesus was God, and more about learning to recognize the Creator’s presence all around us, and in everyone we meet. Thought-provoking, practical, and full of deep hope and vision, The Universal Christ is a landmark book from one of our most beloved spiritual writers, and an invitation to contemplate how God liberates and loves all that is.

The temple of Jerusalem became the center in ancient Israel of a whole group of concepts concerning the divine presence. It was regarded as the very dwelling place of God, the earthly throne of the heavenly King. In order to understand the origin of this belief, Dr. Clements examines the Canaanite notions of divine dwelling-places, and the early ideas of God's presence in Israel. The origins of the Israelite temple in Jerusalem are then considered, and the nature of its rites and symbolism. Particular attention is given to the relationship between the temple of the Davidic monarchy and its significance for the political history of the Israelite nation. The destruction of the temple in 586 BC severely challenged the traditional views about its meaning and led ultimately to great changes in the Jewish understanding of the divine presence. Jerusalem, and the religious ideas surrounding it, became increasingly part of an eschatological hope. Dr. Clements shows how this was important for the early Christian church, which rejected the Jerusalem temple, and which asserted that the divine presence had been revealed to man in Jesus Christ and was experienced in the church through the Holy Spirit.

Both Ignatius of Loyola and Jonathan Edwards wrote about the theme of Christian discernment. Evan B. Howard clarifies patterns of Christian discernment common to both Roman Catholics and Protestants. Yet his study extends analysis further; through a synthesis of cognitive psychology and religious philosophy, Howard provides greater specification of the roles of affectivity in discernment. This will allow spiritual advisors to better guide men and women into an effective discernment process. Psychologists, philosophers, and students of religion will find this book highly valuable.

Getting a fix on the social context of the Hebrew Bible is imperative for anyone reconstructing either the "story" of the text or the "history" behind the text. Resources in this area often prove overspecialized and arcane, and can require highly sophisticated skills in cultural anthropology or Semitic languages just to read the table of contents. Social World of Ancient Israel, 1250-587 BCE, offers those interested in learning about the biblical world a more user-friendly framework for viewing the broader picture; at the same time it relies upon the latest methodologies of cultural anthropology and biblical analysis in its presentation. Painting a picture in broad but precise strokes, the authors portray the landscape of ancient Israel in new and exciting colors that expert and student alike will appreciate. Social World of Ancient Israel takes a unique look at the most prominent social institutions of the world of early Israel and the period of the monarchy, and then shows how properly understanding these social institutions is essential for sound biblical interpretation. Immersing the reader into five major areas of daily life in antiquity -- politics, economics, diplomacy, law, and education -- Matthews and Benjamin explore the ways in which knowing how "players" function in these institutions, such as "father/mother," "prophet/wise one," "host/stranger," can shape our understanding of earliest Israel. Perhaps most significantly, the book gently exposes the inefficiency of past anthropological models for interpreting the relationships, attitudes and social conventions of earliest Israel. Its corrective insights will enable scholar and student alike to plot new approaches for studying the Hebrew Bible and the ancient people of Israel.--Publisher's description.

The bestselling author of The Lamb’s Supper continues his thoughtful exploration of the complex relationship between the Bible and the Catholic liturgy in a revelatory work that will appeal to all readers. Scott Hahn has inspired millions of readers with his perceptive and unique view of Catholic theology and worship, becoming one of the most looked-to contemporary authorities in these areas. In Letter and Spirit, Hahn extends the message he began in The Lamb’s Supper, offering far-reaching and profound insights into what the Bible teaches us about living the spiritual life. For both Christians and Jews, the texts of the Bible are not simply records of historical events. They are intended, through public recitations in churches and synagogues, to bring listeners and readers into the sweeping story of redemption as it unfolds in the Bible. Focusing on the Catholic Mass, Hahn describes how God’s Word is meant to open our eyes to the life-giving power of the sacraments, and how the liturgy brings about the “actualization” of the saving truths of Scripture. Letter and Spirit is a stunningly original contribution to the field of biblical studies and will help Hahn’s many loyal and enthusiastic readers understand the relationship between the Bible and the Mass in a deeper way.

The bestselling book now revised and updated with new content!Hailed as the most popular and best-loved series of the twentieth century, The Lord of the Rings trilogy is more than a great story; it's a reflection of life's epic quest for all of us. Examining the Christian themes in J. R. R. Tolkien's masterwork, bestselling authors Kurt Bruner and Jim Ware reveal a rich tapestry of hope, friendship, redemption, and faith in the face of overwhelming odds. More than 200,000 copies sold Includes six new chapters and a discussion guide A helpful resource for personal study, devotions, or group discussion

A Major Statement on Christology from Bishop Robert Barron For a long time, Christians have tried to bridge the divide between Christianity and secular liberalism with philosophy and theology. Bishop Robert Barron shows that the answer to this debate--and the way to move forward--lies in Jesus. Barron transcends the usual liberal/conservative or Protestant/Catholic divides with a postliberal Catholicism that brings the focus back on Jesus as revealed in the New Testament narratives. Barron's classical Catholic postliberalism will be of interest to a broad audience including not only the academic community but also preachers and general readers interested in entering the dialogue between Catholicism and postliberalism. The hardcover edition includes a new preface by the author. Praise for The Priority of Christ "Barron's wonderful book The Priority of Christ brings postliberalism back to its Catholic home. . . . A downright lovely book, written with a kind of winsome literary flair that exhibits the inviting clarity of a master teacher. Highly recommended." --James K. A. Smith, Religious Studies Review "The book is full of gems worthy of hours of contemplation." --Mark G. Boyer, The Priest