Books published by Augsburg Fortress Publishers

* An excellent introductory text, this is the first volume in the new Elements of Preaching series * Helps preachers discern their own "working theology" as it is expressed in their sermon * Brief bibliographies accompany each chapter

* A new book from the bestselling author of Dismantling Racism * Reveals new understanding of race and racism and how to get engaged * Includes analytical charts, definitions, bibliography, and exercises for readers

* A rich and detailed examination of the historical and theological dimensions of the Cross

* The classic study now thoroughly revised and updated * Includes bibliography and indexes of passages, subjects, and modern authors

In this excellent and accessibleintroduction, now in a secondedition, Childs helpfully articulatesthe shared features of Christianfaith and shows how that communalcommitment forms our values, character, virtues, and "eagernessto do what is right." Who we areinforms what we choose. Thisdynamic, dialogical basis for ethics isan open framework. Childs applies itto a host of tough, real-life dilemmassuch as affirmative action, end-of-life decisions, medicalethics, truth telling, environmental justice, and war-making.Previously published by Fortress Press in 1992 asFaith, Formation, and Decision, the new edition updatesdiscussions throughout, adds numerous cases andillustrations, adds questions for discussion and items forfurther reading, and contains a new section on courage.

In this exciting new analysis of slaves and slavery in the New Testament, Harrill breaks new ground with his extensive use of Greco-Roman evidence, discussion of hermeneutics, and treatment of the use of the New Testament in antebellum U.S. slavery debates. He examines in detail Philemon, 1 Corinthians, Romans, Luke-Acts, and the household codes.

This focused look at women in the household context discusses the importance of issues of space and visibility in shaping the lives of early Christian women. Several aspects of women's everyday existence are investigated, including the lives of wives, widows, women with children, female slaves, women as patrons, household leaders, and teachers. In addition, several key themes emerge: hospitality, dining practices, and the extent of female segregation.

This book, written by a pastoral theologian with years of experience in counseling gay and lesbian individuals and their families, assist both pastoral caregivers and congregations in examining and enhancing their pastoral care of homosexuals and their families. This thoughtful book provides factual information, theological and biblical insight, and practical counseling skills to help congregations become caring communities for gays and lesbians.

Crisis Counseling unites the skills of pastoral care and counseling with current methods of crisis intervention from the fields of psychology and psychotherapy. This book is written for ministersboth clergy and laywho are called upon to care for those in crisis. Its concepts and methods will be of value to mental health professionals and crisis hot-line volunteers. Crisis Counseling discusses the ministers role as a crisis intervener, incorporating the understanding of recent crisis intervention theory and exploring how the dynamics of crisis is vital for effective crisis management.

* Includes passages from Scripture and opportunities to reflect and pray * Ideal for use during Advent or Lent

In Wide Welcome, Jessicah Krey Duckworth presents the stark differences between the established congregation, which cares for current members and congregational identity, and the disestablished one, intentionally equipped to facilitate the encounter between new and established members.The disestablished congregations, she says, gains purpose and

We live in a leadership crisis. In an age when incompatible worlds collide and when scandals rock formerly stable institutions, says Walter Fluker, what counts most is ethical leadership and the qualities of personal integrity, spiritual discipline, intellectual openness, and moral anchoring that Fluker finds exemplified in the work and thought of black-church giants Martin Luther King Jr. and Howard Thurman.

* The first book to analyze America's religious battles aover the interpretation of Genesis * A clearly written account of the present understanding of Genesis among scholars * Examines the core of concern that animates both sides of these controversies

* Fresh insights into the power of New testament imagery to promote life as well as to perpetuate suffering * Close readings of New Testament narratives and metaphors for the suffering of Jesus

With clarity and passion, Franklin calls for practical and comprehensive action for change from within the African American community--within families, churches, colleges and universities, and civil rights organizations--in this provocative analysis of the state of black America.

Even as theologians have become more critical of classic theories of atonement, biblical scholars have continued to rely upon such theories as a basis for interpreting Paul's teaching regarding salvation and the cross. In this vital volume, Brondos looks to the recent advances in New Testament scholarship to argue for an alternative understanding of Paul's doctrine of salvation and the cross.Paul, says Brondos, understood Jesus' death primarily as the consequence of his mission: to serve as God's instrument to bring about the long-awaited redemption of Israel, in which Gentiles throughout the world would also be included. For Paul, Jesus' death is salvific not because it satisfies some necessary condition for human salvation, as most doctrines of the atonement have traditionally maintained, nor because it effects some change in the situation of human beings or the world in general. Rather, Jesus' God responded to Jesus' faithfulness unto death by raising him, thereby ensuring that all the divine promises of salvation would be fulfilled through him.Jesus' death forms part of an overarching story culminating in the redemption of Israel and the world. It is this story, and in particular what preceded and followed Jesus' death on the cross, that makes that death redemptive for Paul.