Books in the Studies in Christian History and Thought series

From a historical point of view Sunday schools have immense significance. In the nineteenth century Sunday schools were part of general educational provision and represented the Christian philanthropic impulse to provide a basic education to the population at large and at low cost. In this book a range of experts assess different aspects of the history of the Sunday school movement. Contributors include Clyde Binfield Faith Bowers John Briggs Grayson Ditchfield Hugh McLeod Stephen Orchard Jack Priestley Geoffrey Robson and Doreen Rosman.

A volume of twelve papers offering an insight into twentieth century Nonconformity, from theology and liturgy to architecture, from the world of business to peace and war.

Description:Discernment in the Desert Fathers is a study of discernment (Diakrisis) in the life and thought of the fourth- and fifth-century Egyptian Desert Fathers. Rich argues that their understanding of Diakrisis was based upon a practical application of biblical Diakrisis in general and not, as has been argued, primarily a development of the gift of ""discernment of spirits."" He begins with an examination of Scripture and goes on to consider the philosophical and theological background of the period as represented by Plotinus and Origen respectively. An examination of the works of the first ""theologians of the desert,"" Evagrius and Cassian, who lived among these first Christian monks and nuns, provides an early interpretation of the sayings of the Desert Fathers or Apophthegmata Patrum. The Greek, Latin, and Coptic sayings that survive are then examined in detail, some of them translated into English for the first time. This indepth analysis (including the comprehensive list of cross-references which will be a valuable resource for scholars researching the subject in the future) provides many insights into the lives of these early Christians and demonstrates how Diakrisis touched every aspect of their inward and outward lives. Rich concludes that Diakrisis was a critical faculty and charism central to the spiritual and practical life of these early monks and nuns in their mystical search for God, for purity of life, and knowledge of him.Endorsements:""Through tracing the evolution of discretio from biblical culture to monastic practice during the patristic era, Dr Rich''s excellent study presents in its complexity the cultivation of discernment as a charismatic element in the Christian striving for moral, intellectual, and theological integrity. His exposition of the writings of Evagrius Ponticus, John Cassian, and the Sayings of the Desert Fathers is as skilled as it is clear. There is much to be learnt from these pages.""--Augustine Casiday, Lecturer in Historical Theology, Department of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Wales, Lampeter""I am delighted that this thorough and careful thesis has been reworked for publication. To many scouring a catalogue the theme of this book may appear obscure--Evagrius is hardly the most familiar personality of the early church, and the detailed examination of the significance of a particular word (in Greek and in Latin) may too easily be dismissed as scholastic and irrelevant--but such dismissals would be deeply misguided. In a church that is rediscovering the disciplines of the Christian life, an exploration of that gift of spiritual perception and judgment that, for these early disciples, lay at the heart of the spiritual life, could not be more pertinent. And to a church that too easily reduces the ethical commitment of the gospel to arid legalism the reminder is timely that Christian commitment is an issue of character and the means through which, and the manner in which, that character is developed. This is a fascinating, detailed, and engaging study that will greatly benefit those who hear the challenge of these ''saints'' across the centuries.""--John E. Colwell, Tutor in Christian Doctrine and Ethics, Spurgeon''s College, London""In this book, Dr Rich has explored with exemplary thoroughness the place of discretion in the early Christian monastic world, showing how it was understood and applied, by detailed reference to early monastic texts. . . . He has given an illuminating picture of the content and outworking of discretion, which can be as useful today as it was in the fourth century.""--Benedicta Ward, SLG, from the Foreword About the Contributor(s):Antony D. Rich (PhD, University of Wales) is an Associate Research Fellow, Director of Extended Learning, and Open Learning Tutor at Spurgeon''s College, London, England. He earned his BSc in Biochemistry at London University and his BA in Theology at Spurgeon''s College. He is married, a member of the No

This book argues that Owen's conception of Christ's priesthood in terms of Christ's united acts of oblation and intercession, performed in the context of his twofold state of humiliation and exaltation, lies at the heart of his atonement theology.

This book provides a comprehensive description of the character and preaching ministry of Hugh Latimer, arguably the most important preacher in England during the sixteenth century.

In this study, Aaron O'Kelley argues that the 'new perspective' on Paul rests on a faulty hermeneutical presupposition, namely, that covenantal nomism could not have served as a foil for Paul in the development of a doctrine of justification that resembles that of the Reformation. COMMENDATIONS "Carefully researched and argued, Aaron O'Kelley's monograph offers a refreshing engagement of New Testament scholarship from the perspective of historical and systematic theology." - Kevin W. McFadden, Cairn University, USA

An examination of the sermons of John Flavel shows that the effectual call was absolutely central to Puritan preaching.

These important and incisive essays, spanning more than two decades of research and engagement, probe facets and episodes of infant baptisms' fortunes over twenty centuries. The story of paedo baptism is traced from its shadowy beginnings as a variant of faith-baptism, through inflated Reformation defenses as it monopolized baptismal thought and practice, to biblical and ecumenical reevaluations and hopeful contemporary rapprochements across divisive waters.

An accessible and academic reading of the doctrine of justification by faith.

An examination of the doctrine of God in the theological construction of Stephen Charnock, exploring his use of reason and his commitment to experiential faith.

A close reading of the life and letters of William Hale White shows that some misunderstandings have arisen in the interpretation of this important figure. The book offers a fresh reading and an examination of such significant issues as doubt, loss of faith, and crises over vocation and church.

A close and thorough examination of Hubmaier's view of the sacraments within the context of worship. A Pledge of Love examines the distinctive theology of this sixteenth-century Anabaptist and his possible influence upon others.

By placing the Reformation doctrine of justification in its historical-theological context against the backdrop of late medieval Catholic theology, O'Kelley demonstrates that the real nature of the debate between Rome and the Reformers was not grace vs. works per se but rather the Reformation's clear law-gospel distinction vs. Rome's law-gospel synthesis. This extraordinary study seeks to allow the Reformers and their heirs a fair hearing in the current debate over Paul's doctrine of justification, a courtesy that they have too often been denied.'Aaron O'Kelley demonstrates that Roman Catholicism in the 16th century was not Pelagian but, at worst, semi-Pelagian. They promulgated a theology of grace as well, but the Reformers taught a radically different theology of grace. O'Kelley shows convincingly that the portrait of Roman Catholicism painted by many new perspective advocates needs to be redone.' 'Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, USA'Carefully researched and argued, Aaron O'Kelley's monograph offers a refreshing engagement of New Testament scholarship from the perspective of historical and systematic theology.' Kevin W. McFadden, Assistant Professor of New Testament, Cairn University, USA'Several urgent questions confront the Christian church today, but few are more urgent than the question Aaron O'Kelley addresses in this book. Did the Reformers Misread Paul? Thankfully, they certainly did not. But against the backdrop of misreadings new and old, Aaron O'Kelley brings a clear affirmation of both Paul and the Reformation interpretation of the great Apostle.' R. Albert Mohler, Jr. President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, USA'Part of the polemic surrounding the new perspective on Paul has focused on the historical context of debates about justification. Central to this has been the important question as to whether the Reformers read Paul correctly or not. In this work, Dr. O'Kelley has made a significant contribution to clarifying this vital but hotly contested point.' Carl R. Trueman, Paul Woolley Professor of Church History, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, USAAaron O'Kelley is teacher of Bible, Latin, and Rhetoric at Augustine School, Director of Pastoral Apprentice Program, Cornerstone Community Church, and Adjunct Professor of Christian Studies, Union University, Jackson, TN

The book illustrates the fact that in reforming theology sixteenth century theologians also reformed practice or the imperatives of Christian living.