Books published by Cascade Books

In 68 CE, devout Jews left more than one thousand handwritten documents in caves northwest of the Dead Sea. The cave that most defined the beliefs and hopes of these Jews is Cave I. In it were placed many manuscripts, including two copies of the Qumran Psalter or Thanksgiving Hymns. In 1947, Bedouin shepherds found Cave I and retrieved scrolls, including a copy of the Qumran Psalter. It proves Jews created new psalms to complement the Davidic Psalter (the "Psalms" usually attributed to David). We learn for the first time how Jews prior to Hillel and Jesus imagined the universe, articulated unworthiness, and despite suffering were devoted to God's covenant. One author imagines that though his ear was inattentive to God's words he felt a message penetrate his being so that his stone heart palpitated. Throughout and especially in the Self-Glorification Hymn, the authors express transcendence, and a oneness with angels through God's continuing acts of compassion and acceptance. Though confessing unworthiness, the authors thank the Lord for forgiving those who turn from transgression; this theme is the keynote of the symphonic poetry. Jews, Christians, and all interested in spirituality will find insight and comfort studying these psalms and poems.

That the earliest followers of Jesus wrote poetry, hymns, and odes is evident already in the New Testament. This volume is a translation of The Odes of Solomon, a collection of early Christian hymns or odes; some are obviously Christian, others perhaps Jewish. The beauty of these poems is a tribute to the depth of spirituality in early communities of Christians, some of whom were perhaps also Jews or converted Jews. Professor Charlesworth offers an inviting introduction and a translation of this work that is both engaging and true to the original languages. The Index of Ancient Sources provides the reader access to the wide range of references in the notes.

Genesis ""was a political document of the state, and its major function was to exalt David and his monarchy, not only with his own people but also among the other states of that world. The scribes of the monarchy used many sources for this work, and certainly the literary criticism of the past has helped us to isolate many of these sources. However, the view presented here is quite different from the older criticism in that the sources that were used in this work must date from before the exile. This is obvious, if the sources were used by the scribes of the Davidic monarchy. None of this can be said with dogmatic zest, but we can at this point discuss some reasons why it seems possible to see Genesis in this way.""--from the Introduction""Loren Fisher applies what is perhaps the single most valuable method of biblical interpretation to the book of Genesis, the principle of ''multiple voices.'' Instead of forcing agreement between clearly distinct units and genres, he allows the differences to speak, and then brings them together to function as a royal epic of leadership and nationhood.""-Baruch A. LevineSkirball Professor Emeritus of Bible and Ancient Near Eastern StudiesNew York University""Loren Fisher has produced an elegant and eminently readable translation of the book of Genesis, with helpful literary and comparative notes throughout. The author does an exceptionally fine job of situating Genesis within the world of ancient Near Eastern literature. Both the casual reader and the advanced scholar of the Bible will gain many insights from this well-conceived project.""-Gary RendsburgDepartment of Jewish StudiesRutgers UniversityLoren R. Fisher retired as Professor of Hebrew Bible at the School of Theology at Claremont and as Professor of Semitic Languages and Literature at the Claremont Graduate University. He is the author of The Many Voices of Job, Tales from Ancient Egypt, The Jerusalem Academy, and the editor of Ras Shamra Parallels, vols. 1 and 2,

Too often the biblical passages governing sexual morality are interpreted in simplistic, proof texting ways that take no account of the cultural gap between ancient Israel and the modern world. And too often the official positions of churches are determined by opinion polls and majority votes rather than a sober theological and ethical assessment of the issues involved. A third way is called for that avoids the errors of both naive fundamentalism and the Bible-dismissing zeitgeist--a way that puts theological reflection at the forefront. This little book aims to provide a theologically informed, biblical approach to help Christians find a new way forward in their dialogue over questions surrounding homosexuality. It deconstructs the Augustinian theological tradition that has defined, evaluated, and regulated sexual behavior in the western Christian traditions. Kraus maintains that the doctrine of the creation (rather than the doctrine of sin) must be the framework for understanding sexuality and sexual desire. He argues that the basic justification for erotic physical intimacy is the fulfillment of God''s original intention for human community (shalom).Beginning with the definition of ""the image of God"" as a social symbol that mirrors the Trinity, Kraus calls the church to reflect that trinitarian image as it is seen in Christ. He argues that this stance at the very least calls the church to empathetic inclusion of the GLBTQ community in its ongoing discernment conversation, which, of course, means full participation in its life.""The relevance of this book reaches far beyond Mennonite circles. My brother and sister chaplains and Christians in the armed services, especially those troubled by the revocation of the ''don''t ask, don''t tell'' policy, will find challenge and wisdom from the biblical and theological reflections of Professor Kraus. In fact, this is a book for anyone struggling with same-sex issues in the real world.""-Kermit D. JohnsonChaplain (Major General), United States Army (Retired)""In this era of increasing agreement that sexual orientation is a natural disposition, yet also of vigorous disagreement over how we should live with our sexuality, Norman Kraus gracefully guides us through pertinent church history, biblical wisdom, and theological understanding. Given how readily we interpret Scripture to justify what we feel, Kraus''s crisp scholarship, and the pastoral reflections upon it, are timely.""-David G. Myerscoauthor of What God Has Joined Together: The Christian Case for Gay Marriage""The church''s dialogue on issues of sexual orientation has focused on biblical interpretation. Frequently neglected has been the broader theological overview that gives shape to that interpretation. In this timely contribution, C. Norman Kraus addresses that oversight by providing a thoughtful and concise theological reflection on sexual orientation, especially as it relates to humanity created in the ''Image of God.'' On Being Human is a must-read for church leaders looking for fresh ways to engage their congregations in this vital dialogue.""-Vic ThiessenMennonite Church Canada""Here is a useful and refreshing contribution to the church''s discernment about sexuality--mainly because what shines through is the author''s profound Anabaptist commitment to Scripture. But it is not a simple or conventional approach; rather, Kraus welcomes Scripture as a lively partner in discernment, trusting that engagement with the deep core of the biblical tradition along with critical examination of science and culture will yield the wisdom so desperately needed in today''s church.-Marlene KropfAssociated Mennonite Biblical SeminaryC. Norman Kraus is Professor emeritus at Goshen College in Indiana. He is the author and editor of numerous books and articles.

This book focuses on worship in the letters of Paul in an effort to shed some light upon this key theme and bring the various dimensions of its significance into the foreground of Pauline studies. Each of the thirteen New Testament letters attributed to Paul are treated exclusively from the aspect of worship, as understood in its most comprehensive sense in the biblical tradition, with the liturgical and the ethical facets of worship held in dynamic interrelationship. The result is a fresh way of reading and listening to the letters of Paul for a deeper appreciation of their original purpose and message.""When Heil calls the thirteen letters of Paul ''rituals of worship,'' he means that each is written as a script to be performed for a community gathered for worship over which Paul presides through the letter, thereby evoking and sharing in the prayer of his audience. Heil also explores how the language of the letters uses imagery from temple worship metaphorically, to interpret Christian life itself as worship. Heil manages to provide a fresh, pastoral reading of the Pauline corpus as a whole.""--Dennis Hamm, SJDepartment of TheologyCreighton University""This book offers a unique and much needed narrative on the way St. Paul understands liturgy from the inside and how he invites others to do the same. The major factor in Heil''s interpretation of the Pauline corpus is that he restores them to the context in which they were first received--as proclaimed in a liturgical assembly--and in which believers hear them today. This respects the letters not as literary output but as proclamations about the mystery of God as proclaimed in the liturgical and sacramental settings they were intended for. Highly recommended. Christian ''spirituality'' at its best.""--Kevin W. IrwinDean of the School of Theology and Religious StudiesThe Catholic University of America""The connection between communal worship and the NT is a fascinating topic. Understanding ''worship'' comprehensively, Prof. Heil is the first to focus on all the letters attributed to Paul. Prof. Heil appreciates the uniqueness of each letter but notes they all begin with a prayer-greeting for divine grace, include ritualistic and liturgical language, and refer to both the ethical and liturgical worship of the audience. His book is insightful, instructive, and, as always, excellent scholarship.""--Robert F. O''Toole, SJ, SSDGregorian University FoundationJohn Paul Heil is Professor of New Testament at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. He is the author of Ephesians: Empowerment to Walk in Love for the Unity of All in Christ (2007).

The Shape of Participation is a work of constructive theology addressed to theologians, seminarians, and thoughtful pastors. Owens engages and deepens recent popular discussions of church practices by approaching practices from the church Fathers'' understanding of the church''s participation in God. Through a wide-ranging engagement with theologians, both ancient and contemporary--including Cyril of Alexandria, Maximus the Confessor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Herbert McCabe--Owens argues that the embodied practices of the church are the church''s participation in the life of God, making the church Jesus'' own continued, peaceable embodiment in and for the world. This book is for theologians, pastors, and anyone who wants a deeper understanding of how the visible presence of God''s church is extraordinarily good news in a violent world.""I''m grateful for this account of the church''s relationship to the life of God for refusing the hopelessness of so much contemporary ecclesiology. All of us who persist in preaching or hearing the Word and receiving God''s good gifts at the table will be strengthened and encouraged by Owens''s theocentric understanding of what the church is up to in the world.""--Beth Felker JonesWheaton College""A wonderful book--Owens takes the significant interest in ''practices'' that has emerged over the last decade, engages it theologically in rich ways with attention to specific ecclesial examples, and deepens it through insightful analyses of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Herbert McCabe, and Maximus the Confessor. Pastors and scholars alike will benefit from careful study of Owens''s significant argument.""--L. Gregory JonesDuke University""By reframing the church''s practices as a participation in Christ and, indeed, as Christ''s own practicing in and for the world, Owens has brought to the study of Christian practice new theological depth, shape, and creativity. Moreover, by doing this in dialogue with ancient as well as contemporary theological and philosophical sources and in a way that takes seriously the concrete, embodied church rather than remaining on the level of idealized and abstract ecclesiology, he has provided us a helpful new model for thinking about what it means to be the church.""--Bryan StoneBoston University School of TheologyL. Roger Owens is co-pastor with his wife Ginger Thomas of Duke Memorial United Methodist Church, Durham, North Carolina. His next book is So I Send You: An Introduction to the Missional Church (forthcoming in the Cascade Companion series of Cascade Books).

How is God sovereign with respect to creation? Does creation affect God? Does God suffer or change because of creation? If so, how is this related to Christology? Why have these questions been so controversial in evangelical theology, even costing some people their jobs?This book is a collection of lectures given to the Forum for Evangelical Theology at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Six theologians answer the questions above from a variety of perspectives. They draw on resources including the church fathers, Thomas Aquinas, John Calvin, Jurgen Moltmann, process theology, and open theism. In the process of answering the question, does God suffer? each theologian also illustrates how responding to this subject requires an examination of other crucial evangelical issues, such as how we read Scripture and what it means to proclaim that God is love. Although the writers answer these questions in a variety of ways, the hope is that engaging in this conversation together can help evangelicals and all Christians to speak more faithfully of our sovereign God.""Dante may have located the debate between divine sovereignty and human freedom in one of the circles of hell, but reading these sprightly and well-argued essays was, by contrast, a real pleasure. In an age where divine suffering is considered the ''new orthodoxy,'' it is most refreshing to hear what six theologians have to say about divine sovereignty. The main theistic positions--classical, open, process--all have able representatives as their champions, and the inclusion of responses allows the authors to do more than talk past one another. This book lives up to its title.""--Kevin J. VanhoozerResearch Professor of Systematic TheologyTrinity Evangelical Divinity SchoolD. Stephen Long is Professor of Systematic Theology at Marquette University. His most recent publications include Theology and Culture (Cascade, 2007), Calculated Futures, John Wesley''s Moral Theology: The Quest for God and Goodness, and Speaking of God: Theology, Language and Truth (forthcoming).George Kalantzis is Associate Professor of Theology at Wheaton College. His work has appeared in a number of theological and ecclesial journals, including Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses, Augustinianum, Studia Patristica, and St. Vladimir''s Theological Quarterly. His recent books include Theodore of Mopsuestia: Commentary on the Gospel of John (Early Christian Studies 7) and the forthcoming coedited volume, If These Stones Could Speak: Texts and Contexts.

Remembering the Future is a collection of poems, essays, and interviews that ask readers to see their world with double-vision-to imagine the redemptive consequences of engaging the world with a fastidious awareness of both the biblical tradition and the cultural moment. Remembering the Future is gathered from the first years of The Other Journal, an online quarterly positioned at the intersection of theology and culture. The Other Journal examines theology with fresh eyes, probing faith with passion, authenticity, and creativity; and this anthology represents the highlights of that endeavor, including content from some of the most important voices in the field of theology today. Remembering the Future offers readers an engaging, thought-provoking picture of what sound theological thinking can and must offer today''s Christians giving witness to Christ in our contemporary cultural landscape.""The Other Journal is intelligent, creative, wide-ranging, and thoughtful. It explores text, soul, and culture in ways that will do you good.""--Brian McLaren, pastor, speaker, and author of several books, including most recently Finding Our Way Again (2008)""Explorations among theology, culture, and politics are all the rage and subject to trendy, superficial, and predictable conversations. The Other Journal bucks this trend, offering substantive theological engagement that is often surprising but always illuminating. It surprises because it breaks down old walls of division. It is illuminating because it points in a direction that affirms Christian faithfulness with a genuine generosity. It is always worth reading.""--D. Stephen Long, Professor of Systematic Theology at Marquette University and author of Theology and Culture: A Guide to the Discussion (Cascade, 2008)""Other online and print resources explore the connection between theology and culture, but two things make The Other Journal stand apart. First, The Other Journal is more than just popular, but engages the best of cutting-edge academic theology and theologians. Second, no one seems to have more fun with theology than The Other Journal. The Other Journal is always an invigorating read.""--William T. Cavanaugh, Associate Professor of Theology at St. Thomas University and author of Being Consumed: Economics and Christian Desire (2008)""Recovering the classic sense of theology as a form of wisdom meant to aid the faithful in their love of God and neighbor, The Other Journal brings together some of the best contemporary theological insight on a broad range of disciplines and arts, issues and events, all for the sake of enhancing Christian engagement with the world and cultures of the twenty-first century. When I am asked about exciting developments in the North American church today, The Other Journal and the folks behind it are near the top of that list. It is a remarkable and remarkably hopeful achievement, from which I constantly learn, am frequently inspired, and always challenged.""--Daniel M. Bell, Jr., Associate Professor of Theological Ethics at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and author of Liberation Theology After the End of History (2001)""The Other Journal sets itself apart among online journals with its orthodox and edgy Christian perspective that is engaged with contemporary culture, theology, art, and politics. If you want to read interesting articles, written for an educated, lay audience, by the leading thinkers in their fields, I recommend putting The Other Journal at the top of your list of bookmarks and checking it regularly.""--Pamela D. H. Cochran, Lecturer in American Religious History in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Virginia, Faculty Fellow of the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, and author of Evangelical Feminism: A HistoryChris Keller is the cofounder and Editor in Chief of The Other Journal. He is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice and a staff member of Mars Hill Graduate School.

Throughout the history of the church, monastic movements have emerged to explore new ways of life in the abandoned places of society. School(s) for Conversion is a communal attempt to discern the marks of a new monasticism in the inner-cities and forgotten landscapes of the Empire that is called America.This book invites us into a way of life that is simultaneously ancient and wonderfully new. By combining first-person accounts of the marks of Christ-formed communities with rich historical and biblical reflection, the various writers provide truthful and hope-filled descriptions of contemporary Christian community. Taking seriously the resources of the monastic tradition and the importance of preserving a relationship withthe wider church, the authors offer mature, wise, and gracious insight into the practices of faithful living. I heartily recommend this book to anyone yearning for evidence and promise of renewal in the church!Christine D. PohlProfessor of Social Ethics, Asbury Theological Seminaryauthor of Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition (Eerdmans, 1999)Whatever future God has for the church, I am convinced the essays in this remarkable book will help us discern that future. Monasticism has always been one of the main means God has used to renew the church. Through some strange miracle God now seems to be calling Protestants to consider what it might mean for them to live in communities that might look very much like monastic communities. Such a call might tempt many toward some kind of romanticism, but one of the remarkable things about these essays is their stark realism. Such a realism is unavoidable not only because of the challenges facing those who are about the formation of communities faithful to God but also because they have lived with one another enough to know this is not going to be easy. So these essays are full of good sense and they help us see the potential of this extraordinary movement. Moreover, each essayist never forgets to remind us that when it''s all said and done, it''s about God who makes it possible for us to live patiently and nonviolently in a world of impatience and violence.Stanley Hauerwas, Gilbert T. Rowe Professor of Theological Ethics, Duke Divinity School""I believe the new monasticism represents a source of vital renewal from the margins and forgotten places of empire. It is my sincere hope that the new monasticism will grow so strong and healthy and widespread that every follower of Jesus in every church has the opportunity - if not to actually live in a new monastic community - to at least have enough proximity and relationship to be influenced by it. This book can help that dream and prayer come true.""Brian McLaren, pastor (crcc.org), author (anewkindofchristian.com)""In this vision of transformation, the prophets of a new monasticism have a single commitment. They want to realize together--in prayer, thought, and action--their total dependence on God by simply following Jesus. A book prompted by our civilization''s signs of death may not seem hopeful, but this one is. The new monasticism has seen the truth that in deepening darkness there is nothing so hopeful as embracing the cross.""Jim Douglass, author of THE NONVIOLENT COMING OF GOD and co-founder of Mary''s House Catholic Worker in Birmingham, Alabama.God is stirring something new...a new monasticism. This book will take you on an intriguing journey with a few followers of Jesus who are discovering some new ways to give expression to the monastic vocation in our troubled world. Must reading for those who want to take their faith seriously in community with others.Tom Sine, author of Mustard Seed vs. McWorld (www.msa.org)The Rutba House is a Christian community of hospitality, peacemaking, and discipleship in the Walltown neighborhood of Durham, NC.

The themes of these stories are profoundly human themes, capturing the persistent interaction between God and humankind. These narratives invite us to witness the manner in which God enters human community in all of its complexities, struggles, challenges, fears, and ultimately hope. As the narratives unfold, not only is it clear that God will not be restricted by societal and cultural conventions, but the human journey will be generated by faith and doubt, fear and hope, promise and fulfillment. Hemchand Gossai not only explores the various themes within a variety of texts, but maintains a constant eye on the implications for the church and contemporary readers. In this regard, some of the literal and particular experiences such as barrenness, wilderness, and wrestling with God are examined as metaphors for our experiences. The richness and texture of metaphors allow us to embrace these stories in a way that makes them our stories.""Hemchand Gossai has long been working on the stories of Abraham and Sarah with great clarity, literary sensitivity, and theological savvy. In this volume, he expands upon that journey with new studies regarding God, the human characters, and their interrelationships. Gathering the major themes from these narratives, Gossai presents them in such a way that Israel''s stories can speak once again into the complexities of our interreligious world. Students and scholars alike will benefit from his many insights.""--Terence E. Fretheim, Elva B. Lovell Professor of Old Testament, Luther Theological Seminary; author of Abraham: Trials of Family and FaithHemchand Gossai is Director of Religious Studies at Georgia Southern University. He is also the author of Social Critique by Israel''s Eighth-Century Prophets and River Crossings: Memories of a Journey--A Memoir.

Steven Lewis''s Landscape as Sacred Space: Metaphors for the Spiritual Journey invites new discussions about our spiritual journeys and allows seekers to rethink approaches to Christian spirituality and theology in light of postmodernity. Landscape metaphors provide a common and accessible language to articulate one''s spiritual journey. Spiritual mountains, deserts, and valleys are dominant landscapes on our journey through life. Most people have experienced the joy of a mountaintop spiritual experience, the pain of spiritual deserts, or perhaps the dreariness too often associated with spiritual valleys. There is a tendency, however, to highlight spiritual mountaintops, while avoiding spiritual deserts and ignoring spiritual valleys. This leaves many Christians ill-equipped either to deal with crises or to integrate God into ordinary life. Each landscape offers rich lessons that, when combined together, lead us toward a maturing faith and into a deeper relationship with God. Landscape as Sacred Space is intended to aid those who search for more meaningful ways to articulate their faith journey. The book grants permission to struggle with life''s landscapes, provides safe spaces to reflect on the journey, and introduces language that enables exploration and discovery.""Mountaintops, deserts, and valleys--physical spaces at once familiar yet strange and apt metaphors for moments in any person''s life. Steve Lewis employs these landscapes to help Christians consider the familiar and the strange, the welcome and the avoided dimensions of their own journeys of life and faith. Drawing on biblical resources and classic traditions in spirituality to develop these landscape metaphors, Lewis invites readers to a deeper appreciation of a disciple''s journey, a fuller sense of the myriad ways God invites a disciple into intimacy, and a more finely honed sensitivity to God''s actions in the world. A refreshing perspective on the spiritual journey.""--Patricia O''Connell Killen, Pacific Lutheran Universityco-author of The Art of Theological Reflection.Steven Lewis, PhD, is the Academic Dean at Bangor Theological Seminary in Portland, Maine.

The Integration of Faith and Learning: A Worldview Approach''provides students with the philosophical context and practical tools necessary for making the connections between Christian knowledge and the knowledge they will acquire during their undergraduate and graduate years in higher education. This book focuses on helping students understand how worldviews influence the interpretation of data and even what is judged to be knowledge itself. The worldviews of philosophical naturalism, postmodernism, and Christianity are compared and analyzed. Throughout the book, emphasis is placed on helping students develop the practical skills needed to evaluate knowledge claims and to integrate all knowledge into a unified whole through the touchstone of Christian truth.Harris'' book on the integration of faith and learning provides an insightful and systematic way for the university student to filter ideas through the grid of a robust Christian worldview and life. In a time when conceptual illiteracy and moral confusion abound, Harris provides a straightforward account of how to integrate one''s academic learning with faith. By applying the principles laid down in this book, a new Christian intelligentsia will emerge that is unabashedly Christian in their faith and learning.--Paul Gould, Christian Leadership Ministries'' Academic Initiative This is a much needed exhortation to all Christians who want to make an impact on today''s society--or need the tools to keep the faith in spite of today''s society. This is a well thought out journey into many fields and philosophies--its breadth is as encompassing as its depth. . . . This is a must read for students, teachers, and all lovers of wisdom! --Brett Peterson, President, Coastland UniversityWorldview survey books abound, but what sets this one apart and makes it essential is its treatment of how knowledge functions and is propagated ""in the real world."" It is insufficient to merely categorize thinkers or their views. Students need to reckon with how certain claims are advanced and accepted regardless of their merits. Harris'' book teaches a savvy form of skepticism that still exudes a love of truth and values the life of the mind. Highly recommended for home schoolers, youth workers, campus ministers, college students, professors, and anyone concerned with training Christian students in how to engage the world of ideas.--Patrick Rist, Christian Leadership Ministries'' Academic InitiativeRobert A. Harris has taught courses in writing, literature, and critical thinking at the college and university level for more than 25 years. He holds the Ph.D. from the University of California at Riverside.

The art of mentoring, like all great arts, is a grace to be received, a gift to be given, and a skill that can be learned and practiced. This book explores the practice and grace of that art. The pastors in these pages share their hard-won experience of mentoring and being mentored, their wobbles and successes, insights and wisdom harvested from years in the vineyard.""Mentoring happens. The only questions are whether we are aware it is happening and intentional about finding the right kind of mentoring. This insightful and stimulating book gives us the guidance that we need in getting clear about all of that. It is a must-read for leaders who want to be faithful and effective servants of the Gospel!""--Richard J. Mouw, President Emeritus, Professor of Faith and Public Life, Fuller Theological Seminary""Among the most important tasks of any leader is mentoring other leaders. Mentoring for Ministry is a great read filled with biblical examples of mentoring, inspirational stories from outstanding leaders, and concrete ideas for what mentoring can look like."" --Adam Hamilton, Senior Pastor, Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, KS; author of Speaking Well: Essential Skills for Speakers, Leaders and Preachers""This collection of essays is a gift to the whole church. The writers, all of whom have taught me a great deal about life, leadership, and ministry--in ways unknown to them--provide rich perceptions and inspiring insights. As several point out, mentoring is a mutual relationship of trust and growth, and the sharing of wisdom and practical skills. The reader will be mentored by the unique voices and experiences of each chapter and will, I would hope, become a mentor to equip the next generation of leaders."" --Larry M. Goodpaster, Bishop-in-Residence, Candler School of Theology, Emory UniversityCraig T. Kocher is University Chaplain and Jessie Ball duPont Chair of the Chaplaincy at the University of Richmond. He previously pastored churches in North Carolina and served as Associate Dean of Duke University Chapel.  Jason Byassee is the Butler Chair in Homiletics and Biblical Hermeneutics at the Vancouver School of Theology. Jason is a fellow in Theology and Leadership at Duke Divinity School and previously served as senior pastor of Boone United Methodist Church in Boone, North Carolina. James C. Howell is Senior Pastor of Myers Park United Methodist Church, Charlotte, North Carolina. He was previously senior pastor of Davidson United Methodist Church and is the author of numerous books on faith and ministry.

A Land Full of God gives American Christians an opportunity to promote peace and justice in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It shows them how to understand the enmity with brief, digestible, and comprehensive essays about the historical, political, religious, and geographical tensions that have led to many of the dynamics we see today. All the while, A Land Full of God walks readers through a biblical perspective of God''s heart for Israel and the historic suffering of the Jewish people, while also remaining sensitive to the experience and suffering of Palestinians. The prevailing wave of Christian voices are seeking a pro-Israeli, pro-Palestinian, pro-peace, pro-justice, pro-poor, and ultimately pro-Jesus approach to bring resolution to the conflict.""If you care about peace and justice in the land where Jesus lived and died, then read this excellent collection of thoughtful, probing essays from a wide range of viewpoints. The writers are scholars, pastors, activists, theologians, all struggling--from their vigorously different perspectives!--to be faithful to the Prince of Peace. A good read that will leave you much better equipped to understand all sides and therefore work more effectively for just reconciliation in the Holy Land.""--Ron Sider, President emeritus, Evangelicals for Social ActionRev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon is the executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP); author of the award winning Social Justice Handbook and other books on spirituality and justice. Cannon has several masters degrees and earned her doctorate in American History with the minor in Middle Eastern studies from the University of California--Davis, focusing on the history of the American Protestant church''s engagement in Israel and Palestine.