Books by Frederick W. Schmidt

In "When Suffering Persists", the author offers an accessible and pastoral exploration of theological understandings of suffering that ministers to both mind and spirit. He re-examines the generic comfort offered by many answers and the social and theological explanations that people offer one another, and provides a theology that takes seriously the devastating character of suffering.

"Does the face of God change? Years ago I would have said, ''No.'' Countless hymns, passage of Scripture and confessions of faith assert or imply the changelessness of God. To take issue with traditions that are centuries, if not millennia old, seemed to be daunting and misguided....But when the great professions of confidence in God harden into philosophical propositions, one is bound to ask: What difference would it make to say that God has only one face? Even if true in some sense, the fact of the matter is that features each of us would count as necessary and changeless would be a matter of considerable debate." - From the IntroductionIn 1998/99 five scholars presented lectures at Washington National Cathedral about our images of God and what difference they make. This book, and its companion videos, will allow parish study groups and individuals to consider and discuss the viewpoints of Marcus Borg, Karen Armstrong, Jack Miles, James Cone, and Andrew Sung Park.

Speaking to the crisis of faith faced by his church, Luke retells the story of Jesus's birth, ministry, death, and resurrection as a means of addressing the spiritual struggles that resurface generation after generation. Touching on issues of belonging, authority, tradition, behavior, and hope, Schmidt offers a reading of Luke's gospel that speaks to today's reader.

Roadmap, myth, or history? The Book of Revelation draws readers and repels them. Schmidt explores how Revelation can shape people's understanding of God, and nurture their spiritual lives in unexpected ways.