In Search of Soul explores the meaning of “soul” in sacred and profane incarnations, from its biblical origins to its central place in the rich traditions of black and Latin history. Surveying the work of writers, artists, poets, musicians, philosophers and theologians, Alejandro Nava shows how their understandings of the “soul” revolve around narratives of justice, liberation, and spiritual redemption. He contends that biblical traditions and hip-hop emerged out of experiences of dispossession and oppression. Whether born in the ghettos of America or of the Roman Empire, hip-hop and Christianity have endured by giving voice to the persecuted. This book offers a view of soul in living color, as a breathing, suffering, dreaming thing.

A collection of essays dealing with apocalypticism, Daniel, the Sibylline oracles, Dead Sea Scrolls and wisdom and apocalypticism. Two of the essays appear here for the first time. This publication has also been published in paperback, please click here for details.

Embark on a transformative journey with 'In Search of Gospel Clarity', where I share my personal quest to uncover the divine inspiration within the gospel. Driven by an insatiable desire for clarity and understanding, I found my answers through the revolutionary techniques of systems thinking and artificial intelligence. This book is crafted for a broad audience, introducing cutting-edge methodologies that reveal deep insights hidden within scripture. Join me as we explore the intricate landscape of the gospel, unveiling the divine inspiration and purposeful patterns that illuminate our faith.

Welcome to Volume 2 in the verse-by-verse study of the Bible Book of Job. In the ancient account of Job, witness a story of unimaginable suffering, relentless questioning, and unwavering faith. Job, a righteous and prosperous man, faces a series of inexplicable tragedies that shatter his life and test the limits of his faith. As he grapples with the depths of despair and the weight of existential questions, Job's journey becomes an exploration of the human condition and the nature of suffering. Amidst the backdrop of heated debates and challenging dialogues with his friends, Job wrestles with the age-old question: Why do the righteous suffer? Through his relentless pursuit of answers and his unyielding trust in God, Job embarks on a profound spiritual journey that challenges the boundaries of his faith and reshapes his understanding of the divine. Through the pages of this book, experience the raw emotions, the gripping dialogues, and the profound insights that emerge from Job's tumultuous journey. Be captivated by the timeless themes of suffering, wisdom, and the mysteries of God's ways. Ultimately, witness the transformation of a man who, through the crucible of suffering, emerges with a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and a renewed sense of hope. This book is a timeless exploration of the human experience, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives, grapple with the complexities of suffering, and find solace in the assurance that even in the darkest moments, faith and resilience can prevail. Journey alongside Job as he navigates the depths of despair and emerges with a newfound understanding of life's deepest mysteries.

Bishop Nacpil’s book connects the creator with the creation. It deals with the longing for the elusive and unfathomable something that strengthens reader's relationship with the creator. It delves into his or her relationship with God and God’s relationship with the person as an unbreakable bond, which Bishop Nacpil describes as a spirituality that secularizes. He describes how the Spirit is at work within each person, empowering them to make choices that promote, preserve, and enrich creation. Without the Spirit, everyone would float above their vessel of clay rather than fully living in it. The book enables the reader to see not only a meaningful wholeness out of his or her frenzied life but also that the good each person do in the secular world is their active participation in the work of the Spirit.

Offers the "village of hope" as a framework where pastors and leaders offer the church as a place of support, guidance, and accountability for youth, parents, and other adults who are raising today's black youth. The first edition of Working with Black Youth, edited by Charles R. Foster and Grant S. Shockley, was published in 1989. Since that time the challenges for black youth have only intensified and grown in complexity. A burning question of Black churches continues to be: How can we effectively ministry with our youth? Their world is fast-paced, media-centered, techno-savvy, hip-hop, violent, and plagued with HIV/AIDS. The Church wants to guide youth toward a Christian identity with values for wise decision-making. Youth want their questions heard. They want to see hope modeled. They need leadership opportunities. While there are no quick, easy, or singular approaches to working with black youth, there can be a framework to offer vital and relevant youth ministry. This book proposes a comprehensive framework that has evolved over ten years of annual youth and family convocations of the Interdenominational Theological Center as well as youth and family forums and activities related to the Youth Hope-Builders Academy of ITC. The framework builds on the image of the congregation as a "village of hope" where pastors and leaders get real to offer the church as a place of support, guidance, and accountability for youth, parents, and other adults who are raising today's black youth. Contributors: Daniel O. Black, Philip Dunston, Maisha I. Handy, Michael T. McQueen, Tapiwa Mucherera, Elizabeth J. Walker, Herbert R. Marbury, Annette R. Marbury, and Anne E. Streaty Wimberly

A new commentary for today's world, The Story of God Bible Commentary explains and illuminates each passage of Scripture in light of the Bible's grand story. The first commentary series to do so, SGBC offers a clear and compelling exposition of biblical texts, guiding everyday readers in how to creatively and faithfully live out the Bible in their own contexts. Its story-centric approach is ideal for pastors, students, Sunday school teachers, and laypeople alike. Three easy-to-use sections designed to help readers live out God's story: LISTEN to the Story: Includes complete NIV text with references to other texts at work in each passage, encouraging the reader to hear it within the Bible's grand story EXPLAIN the Story: Explores and illuminates each text as embedded in its canonical and historical setting LIVE the Story: Reflects on how each text can be lived today and includes contemporary stories and illustrations to aid preachers, teachers, and students Praise for SGBC: "The easy-to-use format and practical guidance brings God's grand story to modern-day life so anyone can understand how it applies today." - Andy Stanley "Opens up the biblical story in ways that move us to act." - Darrell L. Bock "It makes the text sing and helps us hear the story afresh." - John Ortberg "This commentary breaks new ground." - Craig L. Blomberg

Training Older Workers and Learners is a groundbreaking resource that focuses exclusively on age 40-plus workers. This much-needed resource offers trainers expert guidance and practical tools designed to deliver effective training and re-training to older worker-learners (OWLS). Based on sound theory and best practices, the book shows how to maximize the workplace learning and performance potential of late-life learners.