Books published by Cascade Books

Luther was fundamentally a preacher-pastor, ""a care-taker of souls,"" whose ingenuity lies in his usage of the biblical message as a source of pastoral encouragement. This book seeks to capture the often-overlooked pastoral side of the Reformer through an examination of his sermons on John's gospel.The sermons on John show the intrinsic, close, and causal link between doctrine and consolation. They are an exercise of his vocation as a pastor, or more precisely, as a theologian of the cross who seeks to inculcate the good news of justification by faith in his people, leading them to experience it within the dialectic of law and gospel. St. John, said Luther, ""is the master in the article of justification."" Luther's theological method, namely, his theology of the cross, permeates and governs the exposition of the text, and all major themes of his theology-- Christology, Trinity, and soteriology--appear in his exegesis of John.""With a sure ear for the nuances of Luther's engagement with the text of his favorite gospel and for the questions of our own time, Ngien again renders the Reformer's interpretation of Scripture understandable and relevant for modern readers. His special combination of keen-sighted theological analysis of Luther's faith and a sensitive meditative application of his insights gained from the evangelist John's depiction and confession of Christ permits both the evangelist and the Reformer to speak directly to twenty-first-century faith and life.""--Robert Kolb, Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis ""John was Martin Luther's favorite gospel because he believed that it provided a clear pathway into the very heart of God. Dennis Ngien has given us here a major study of Luther's sermons on this great New Testament text. The whole scope of Luther's theology is evident in these sermons and they bear close study and reflection."" --Timothy George, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University ""What could possibly be of greater import for the Christian believer than to contemplate the salvific grace extended to us at Calvary? As a grateful recipient of this grace and as a lover of Martin Luther, Dr. Ngien has taken the time to meditate, marinate, and mediate Luther's theology of the cross to us with the greatest care. And as a true 'insider' in the world of Lutheran studies, he has done a masterful job.""--Granville McKenzie, Senior Pastor, Faith Sanctuary, TorontoDennis Ngien is Professor of Systematic Theology at Tyndale University College & Seminary, Toronto, and Research Professor at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto.

A motion picture chronicling the last adventures of bank robber John Dillinger (Johnny Depp), Public Enemies was met with much bafflement upon its 2009 release. Director Michael Mann's terse storytelling and unorthodox use of high-definition digital cameras challenged viewers' familiarity with Hollywood's historical gangland elegance while highlighting Public Enemies' own place in a medium--and culture--undergoing sweeping technological change. In Off the Map, Niles Schwartz immerses us in Mann's representation of Dillinger, a subject increasingly aware of his own role as a romanticized frontier folk hero, in flight from an enveloping bureaucratic system. The cultural issues of Dillinger's 1930s anticipate the 21st century watershed moment for the moving image, as our relationship with the pictures surrounding us increasingly affects our own sense of identity, historical truth, and means of relating to each other. Mann's follow-up, the hacker thriller Blackhat (2015), reflects a world where Public Enemies' abstract surveillance state has since colonized the firmament of our everyday lives. Yet in this virtual labyrinth of surplus images, cinema may inwardly illuminate a transformative path for us. Off the Map places Mann's late works in deep focus, exploring our present relationship to cinema on a backdrop that swings from the blockbuster spectacle of Avatar to the curious intimacy of Moonrise Kingdom, ultimately suggesting the mysterious space between the viewer and the screen may yet become a sanctuary of deep spiritual reflection.""Niles Schwartz is one of our true philosophers of film. For some time now he has been asking how the images we confront at the movies can force us to confront ourselves. In this book he gets to develop his ideas about art, media, and the 'religious and transformative' power of film for the first time at length, offering along the way a fascinating reflection on one of our great American directors, Michael Mann. Off the Map is required reading for anyone who cares about the intersection of art and culture today.""--Jon Baskin, The Point Magazine""Niles Schwartz's brilliant study of two of Michael Mann's least-appreciated features breaks through the director's shimmering surfaces and plumbs their roiling depths.""--Matt Zoller Seitz, editor of RogerEbert.com, author of The Wes Anderson Collection and The Oliver Stone ExperienceNiles Schwartz studied at Grand View University, the University of Iowa, and Hamline University. He is the co-founder and critic at the Minneapolis / St. Paul Cinephile Society (mspcinephiles.org), and makes regular contributions to The Point Magazine (thepointmag.com). He lives in Minneapolis.

This book explores the deep and abiding human need for contemplation, for coming to terms with and standing in awe of the nature and character of the God revealed in the Scriptures. When so much is wrong in the world, when our lives are troubled by so many threats, both real and imagined, we must learn to look to God and to see all things, including ourselves, in the light of who he is. A life of faithful contemplation begins to free us from the bad desires, false expectations, and corrupting illusions that bind us against our will and keep us from the fullness promised in the gospel.""I wouldn't hesitate to rank Chris Green's Surprised by God among the great spiritual classics. Although such an endorsement for a new book may appear to be hyperbolic, I do not intend it as an exaggeration. Drawing on contemporary spiritual luminaries as well as a wide array of ancient thinkers--Mothers and Fathers of the church--Green weaves together a spiritual reflection on God that is as timely as it is outstanding."" --Robby Waddell, Southeastern UniversityChris E. W. Green is Associate Professor of Theology at Pentecostal Theological Seminary in Cleveland, TN and Teaching Pastor at Sanctuary Church in Tulsa, OK.

This book invites its readers to an exploration of some of the greatest theologians in Christian history through the lens of disability theology in order to understand how the Christian Church is intended to deal with the ever-evolving concept and reality that is the disabled human experience.This books brings together an account of the history of disability civil rights, beginning in the early twentieth century and evolving to the present day. It takes a look at some of the foremost theologians in Christian history as seen through the lens of disability theology, in order to help the reader gain an understanding of a diverse, unique, and ever-evolving culture.According to the CDC, as of 2015 approximately 53 million Americans live with some form of disability. This book attempts to offer a new way forward for the church to engage with this incredibly diverse, unique, and wonderful culture by offering first a brief introduction to the history of disability civil rights to allow the reader to understand and experience how many of the trends and forces that shape civil rights on a broad national level were present from the very beginning within the disabled community and the movement towards the ADA. Then, by exploring some of the greatest theologians in the history of the church, this book hopes to illuminate the ways in which the church has served those with disabilities well, and in many cases not so well, throughout its history. Finally, the book will close with a hopeful, optimistic, and yet practical way forward rooted in the concepts of hospitality, community, and mutuality that we call the Julian Way.""The Julian Way brings a vision of community in which all the members are valued, and all forms of gifted-ness are incorporated into the whole. This vision allows all people to have pride in who they are and to fully experience self-worth within the context of the greater Christian community. Hancock brings the reader an historical and theological overview of the world of disability and calls for a new day of empowerment and grace.""--Peggy A. Johnson, Bishop, Philadelphia Area of the United Methodist Church""This book is a beautiful and deeply thoughtful exploration of disability theology from a practitioner whose hard-won wisdom will increasingly impact the church in the years ahead. A must read for Christian leaders."" --Elaine A. Heath, Dean, Professor of Missional and Pastoral Theology, Duke University""Religious leaders reading scriptures from an able-bodied perspective will in this deeply moving book find a more inclusive understanding of God's presence in the world. This book breaks new ground for religious communities to systematically reflect on the human rights of differently abled-persons and widens the knowledge base of the church to articulate a theology of a disabled and vulnerable God. Must read for disability and church studies.""--Harold J. Recinos, author of Breathing Space ""The Julian Way opened my eyes to see each person as a gift from God. The stories challenge the Church to see with new eyes those we consider handicapped. Every congregation needs to read this book before examining where and how God is calling them to make disciples of Jesus Christ in their community.""--D. Max Whitfield, Bishop in Residence, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist UniversityRev. Justin Hancock is co-founder, with his wife Lisa, of the Julian Way, a ministry of community, advocacy, and empowerment for those with disabilities. He is also serving as the prior of the Epworth Project, a ministry of the Missional Wisdom Foundation in Dallas, Texas. He holds a MA in Christian Ministry from Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas.

Churches often find themselves in the middle of conflict. These conflicts can exist between people within the church, between the leaders and congregation, or even between churches themselves. Leaders often turn to Scripture for guidance in resolving these conflicts. However, the Bible does not outline or even discuss conflict management. In fact, various biblical figures--from ancient Israelite kings to New Testament apostles--all uniquely approach conflict.Does the Bible have a ""theory of conflict management""? In Conflict Management and the Apostle Paul, the authors explore how Paul approached conflicts with his close associates like Barnabas and Peter, and with his mission churches like those in Galatia and Corinth. Conflict Management and the Apostle Paul distinctively sketches how various theories of conflict management used today shed light on Paul's own approaches to conflict while also evaluating the conflicts themselves. The authors in this volume are pastors and church workers who themselves bring their own experiences with conflict into play as they seek wisdom from the New Testament.""Living in a world so filled with contention, both inside and outside of the church, we need help working through conflict to restore communication and connection with those around us. Conflict Management and the Apostle Paul gives us a Pauline perspective on life together. The series of articles give fresh insight to a practical blend of biblical instruction and sociological conflict transformation systems.""--Robin D. Stoops, Executive Minister, American Baptist Churches of Nebraska""This text takes a deep dive into how the Apostle Paul addressed conflict. Because 'conflict' was sometimes Paul's middle name, the dive brings to the surface many fresh approaches to dealing with our own conflicts today . . . Paul's conflicts are today's conflicts. You will need this book in the days ahead.""--C. Jeff Woods, Associate General Secretary for the American Baptist Churches, USA""For fellow travelers seeking to find a better way through the conflicts of modern life, Conflict Management and the Apostle Paul brings the work of a dedicated cadre of pastors and lay leaders who have delved deeply into Scripture with a view to articulating the precise nature of the conflicts and disputes addressed by Paul, and the ways he confronted them. With case stories scattered throughout, this book serves as a useful companion for all who seek to better understand Paul's teaching and how it sheds light on modern strategies that work, and those that do not.""--Karl A. Slaikeu, author of When Push Comes to Shove: A Practical Guide to Mediating DisputesScot McKnight is Julius R. Mantey Professor of New Testament, Northern Seminary, and is an author of more than sixty books, including commentaries on Colossians, Philemon, and Galatians.Greg Mamula is Associate Executive Minister, American Baptist Churches of Nebraska, Omaha.

In Fragile World: Ecology and the Church, scholars and activists from Christian communities as far-flung as Honduras, the Philippines, Colombia, and Kenya present a global angle on the global ecological crisis--in both its material and spiritual senses--and offer Catholic resources for responding to it. This volume explores the deep interconnections, for better and for worse, between the global North and the global South, and analyzes the relationship among the physical environment, human society, culture, theology, and economics--the ""integral ecology"" described by Pope Francis in Laudato Si'.Integral ecology demands that we think deeply about humans and the physical environment, but also about the God who both created the world and sustains it in being. At its root, the ecological crisis is a theological crisis, not only in the way that humans regard creation and their place in it, but in the way that humans think about God. For Pope Francis in Laudato Si', the root of the crisis is that we humans have tried to put ourselves in God's place. According to Pope Francis, therefore, ""A fragile world, entrusted by God to human care, challenges us to devise intelligent ways of directing, developing, and limiting our power.""""This book is a necessary and powerful follow-up to Laudato Si, a reminder of just how real and pressing these needs are, and of the opportunities for enormous change that lie all around us.""--Bill McKibben, Author The Comforting Whirlwind""William T. Cavanaugh offers this stunning collection as a 'global angle on a global crisis.' With contributions from across the world, these perspectives further our understanding of the crisis that unfolds by the hour. The diversity of the contributors is marked not only by their own national backgrounds, but also by their own academic investigations . . . Cavanaugh beautifully organizes these essays beginning with the foundations of social teaching and the cry of the earth. A refreshing collection, a worthy read, an urgent project!""--James F. Keenan, Canisius Professor, Boston College""This collection blends theology and ethics to produce a scholarly, critical, and pastoral account of the global ecological crisis and the collective responsibility to respond. Rather than yield to despair at the scope of environmental calamity, the authors explore and unveil theological and ethical resources for achieving redemptive and integral ecology for our times and for future generations. Fragile World is a truly global theological and ethical study of the global ecological challenge.""--Agbonkhianmeghe E. Orobator, President of the Conference of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar""Required reading! The Church must 'catch up'--and do it now! It's been nearly 50 years since the first 'Earth Day,' (1970) and the 1975 publication of the Appalachian Bishop's Pastoral. Deplorably, only in 2015 did the Church promulgate a Papal Encyclical on the now--'ecological crisis!' . . . This volume is a primer, showing the complexity of the crisis, but also the theological, moral, and spiritual grounding for an integral ecology at the heart of a sustainable world.""--Dawn M. Nothwehr, Chair in Catholic Ethics, Catholic Theological Union""Fragile World takes seriously the notion of 'integral ecology' as described in Laudato Si'. Its chapters generate an informed, intelligent dialogue among a diversity of voices from around the planet to address the global ecological crisis. Seldom does a reader find in one volume both a clear, critical analysis of this issue as well as so many strong voices from the margins that have too often been ignored. This volume is required reading.""--Dennis Patrick O'Hara, Associate Professor, Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology, University of St. Michael's CollegeWilliam T. Cavanaugh is director of the Center for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology and professor of Catholic studies at DePaul University in Ch

The Teaching Hymnal: Ecumenical and Evangelical is a teaching resource that provides a new generation of worshipers the opportunity to draw upon the rich history of the use of hymns and hymnody in the church. It contains a body of hymns and worship songs, worship services and templates, material that explains the sources of hymns and songs, hymnal usage, the sources of historic prayers and worship texts, and it provides essays on worship planning and leading. It also contains a thorough glossary of worship terms. This is a complete guide to hymn usage and worship planning designed especially for use in seminaries and Christian colleges.Clayton J. Schmit, is pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Stevens Point, WI. He was formerly Provost of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Lenoir-Rhyne University. He is author of several books on worship and preaching, including Sent and Gathered: A Worship Manual for the Missional Church and co-author (with Lauralee Farrer) of Praying the Hours in Ordinary Life (Cascade Books).

This volume is the first in a series of volumes surveying the important names, movements, and institutions that have been significant in forging black renewal movements in various contexts worldwide. In this volume the entries cover the more than 150 identifiable Holiness, Pentecostal, Charismatic, Neo-Pentecostal, and quasi-Pentecostal bodies within the United States and Canada. In addition, the dictionary contains entries on the important people, places, events, and theological and secular issues that shaped these groups over their histories, some of which go back more than a century. This and subsequent volumes will be invaluable tools for students and scholars of the history of Pentecostalism.

Churches often find themselves in the middle of conflict. These conflicts can exist between people within the church, between the leaders and congregation, or even between churches themselves. Leaders often turn to Scripture for guidance in resolving these conflicts. However, the Bible does not outline or even discuss conflict management. In fact, various biblical figures--from ancient Israelite kings to New Testament apostles--all uniquely approach conflict.Does the Bible have a ""theory of conflict management""? In Conflict Management and the Apostle Paul, the authors explore how Paul approached conflicts with his close associates like Barnabas and Peter, and with his mission churches like those in Galatia and Corinth. Conflict Management and the Apostle Paul distinctively sketches how various theories of conflict management used today shed light on Paul's own approaches to conflict while also evaluating the conflicts themselves. The authors in this volume are pastors and church workers who themselves bring their own experiences with conflict into play as they seek wisdom from the New Testament.