Books published by Langham Publishing

Baptists in Romania have developed a practice of suspicion when it comes to religious dialogue, especially with the Romanian Orthodox tradition, due to a history that is characterized by oppression. In this detailed study Dr Daniel Oprean paves the way for positive dialogue between the two traditions, highlighting that much can be gained and learned by acknowledging similarities and differences in key aspects of theology.Dr Oprean explores how existing theological resources can be used to enhance theological discourse between Baptist and Orthodox traditions in Romania through in-depth analysis of the thought of British Baptist theologian, Professor Paul Fiddes, and Romanian Orthodox theologian, Father Dumitru St¿niloae. Oprean in particular looks at their understanding of trinitarian and human participation through perichoresis, the Eucharist, Christian spirituality, and baptism and chrismation. Presented as a conversation between the two traditions this study is a model for how theological and religious dialogue can facilitate reconciliation, not just in the church but also in wider society.

Since the first interactions between Christians and Muslims, a central point of contention has been the nature of God in relation to the doctrine of the trinity and divine oneness. Yet the belief that God is one is vociferously upheld by Christians, Jews and Muslims alike.In this detailed historical study and subsequent analysis, Dr Michael F. Kuhn explores the teaching of two Arab Christian theologians from the Abbasid Era (750-1250), 'Abd All¿h Ibn al-¿ayyib and Iliyy¿ of Nisibis, and how they defended the Christian view of God as three-in-one in the Muslim milieu and in reference to the Islamic concept of taw¿¿d, God's absolute unity. The intellectual contribution of these two Christian thinkers can be seen in the concepts they articulated continuing to feature in Muslim-Christian dialogue to this day. Dr Kuhn shows the great lengths that Middle Eastern Christians went to explain their view of God's oneness in the Trinity and the divinity of Christ to their fellow Christians and to commend it to their Muslim counterparts. There is much to learn from the historical debates investigated in this book to help Christians today to uphold the truth of the Christian scriptures, both in the Muslim context and beyond. Readers will appreciate the review of Nestorian Christology in light of recent studies and the important theological background to contemporary Muslim-Christian engagement that is provided.This book also makes a significant addition to the Christian understanding of the Trinity by linking the eternal attributes of God, a common theme in Islamic thought, to the three persons of the God-head deepening our understanding of the inter-relations of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Anyone engaging intellectually or academically with Muslims with hopes to dialogue thoughtfully in the area of theology, spirituality and ethics will find this book acutely helpful.

The task of reconciliation with God, ourselves and others is an integral element of the mission of God that has been entrusted to his people and leads us to be peacemakers in our societies. Dealing with the grand vision of peace and reconciliation, this book unlocks the biblical story of reconciliation and challenges churches to widen their scope of mission and become a healing and restorative community. With a particular focus on case studies from the Philippines, this book gives insight on the work of reconciliation in different parts of the world. Dealing with themes such as repentance, forgiveness, partnership, and multiculturalism, How Long, O Lord? offers a thorough, academic investigation of the ministry of reconciliation that will be useful for pastors, counsellors, and scholars in various contexts.

Criminals in Hong Kong and China are often superstitiously religious. Ironically, both they and police officers worship the same folk god, Guan Gong, who represents righteousness! But their religiosity has no moral consequences - what both groups are seeking is protection from their opponents.Unfortunately, some Asian Christians have a similar model of religiosity. They want God's protection and blessings, but they do not want God to affect how they live. James will have none of this. He is convinced that our devotion to God must be reflected in the way we live, and so he writes a letter that is full of sound, practical advice. He exhorts us to control our tongues, he speaks against greed, envy, and wrong desires, and he gives wise advice about enduring suffering, praying for ailing believers, and restoring believers who are tempted to depart from the truth. Using Asian applications, this commentary of James highlights the relevance the triune God has in all contexts of life.The Asia Bible Commentary Series empowers Christian believers in Asia to read the Bible from within their respective contexts. Holistic in its approach to the text, each exposition of the biblical books combines exegesis and application. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the Body of Christ in Asia by providing pastoral and contextual exposition of every book of the Bible.

Since antiquity, many have come to view benefaction and patronage in a negative light, largely due to the increasingly immoral motives of those involved in systems that can be exploitative or corrupt. Dr Nathan Joshua provides a counter to this perception and instead draws attention to the goodness of godly benefaction and patronage from an African Christian perspective.Dr Joshua gives a detailed historical analysis of the Pastoral Epistles in the social context of benefaction and patronage in the first century AD, while offering a comparative study on how to carefully apply the values of benefaction and patronage in light of Paul's perspective in the Pastoral Epistles, in Christian life and leadership. This is a valuable resource addressing the need for leadership with integrity, and challenging the negative outlook surrounding benefaction and patronage today.

In the twenty-first century the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has faced many challenges - conflict, changes of governments, terrorism, trauma - yet new opportunities have opened up for local churches to demonstrate the love of God and bless their communities.This book provides a fresh look at the theology driving Christian mission and at emerging ministry models by addressing ten aspects of missio Dei in the Middle Eastern context. Subjects such as church planting, discipleship, media, and peace building are introduced with their historical background, and contemporary stories and case studies of transformative work in the MENA region. As the book examines these topics we see how mission in the Middle East is no longer "from the West to the rest" but is now characterized as "from everywhere to everywhere." All Christians will find in these contributions important biblical principles for their own context to follow Jesus Christ and bear witness to him.Readers are also reminded that hardship does not have to be an obstacle to the church living out the mission of God as salt and light, and there is much the global church can learn from the activities of Christians in MENA countries. While each chapter in this book focuses on a particular aspect of mission, churches must be holistic in transforming lives and to this end, societies, and this book is a gift from the MENA church to the rest of the body of Christ.

Asian Christians will identify with the context of the epistle to the Philippians; a church hemmed in on every side. The internal struggles of the community, personality conflicts among leaders, division within the church, and challenges from false teachers coupled with the violent threat from outside the church parallels the situation in many parts of Asia today. Paul's ethical exhortations to the believers in Philippi enrich, guide, and correct so that a vibrant body of Christ can be established. Philippians teaches all Christians to make it their goal to know Christ more and more each day, imitate his example above all others, and bear bold witness to God's offer of salvation to all, beyond every divisive border. This commentary on Philippians studies the text exegetically in its original dynamic context while seeking to hear the rhetorical thrust of the apostle's words in the present Asian context.The Asia Bible Commentary Series empowers Christian believers in Asia to read the Bible from within their respective contexts. Holistic in its approach to the text, each exposition of the biblical books combines exegesis and application. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the Body of Christ in Asia by providing pastoral and contextual exposition of every book of the Bible.

The laws and legislation in Pakistan related to religious offences are intended to protect all religious communities, but have also become a significant threat to communities of religious minorities who are vulnerable to false accusation, violent retribution outside of the judicial system, and erroneous convictions that sometimes even lead to the death penalty. What is not well known is how these laws came about; from originally being designed in Chapter XV of the Pakistan Penal Code, to safeguard all religions of British India. Dr F. A. Nazir places the discussion of offences relating to religion in the historical context of the south Asian subcontinent, the institution of penal codes in British India during the colonial period, and developments in legislation after 1947 independence and the creation of the state of Pakistan and in postcolonialism. Dr Nazir's historical and legal analysis demonstrates how these laws affect indigenous Christian communities and other religious minorities, including Muslim groups. Nazir's thorough and rigorous historical research brings important understanding and reflection to contemporary religious laws, religious rights and multi-faith society in Pakistan.

The history of the Philippines is a long and complex one but the stories and reflections in Dark Days of Authoritarianism, from remarkable individuals who were willing to stake their lives for freedom, shed light on life under the martial law instituted by President Ferdinand Marcos from 1972 to 1981, and up to the peaceful popular uprising of 1986. This book not only covers the social, economic and political conditions across the country during martial law but also how those conditions affected ordinary people personally and spiritually. Many of the contributions illustrate the strength and determination of Philippine women to create a better society despite being met by great adversity and the importance of Christian faith for sustaining the lives of those who suffered and survived this tumultuous period. This book provides important lessons for a new generation facing the menace of authoritarianism today, wherever they are, to fight for democracy and resist any attempts to diminish people's freedom.

Interpretation of Scripture occurs within one's worldview and culture, which enhances our understanding and ability to apply Scripture in the world. However, few books address Bible interpretation from an African perspective and no other textbook uses the intercultural approach found here. This book brings both an awareness of how one's African context gives a lens to hermeneutics, but also how to interpret texts with integrity despite our cultural influences.African Hermeneutics was born of Prof Elizabeth Mburu's frustration at only having textbooks that predominantly followed a Western worldview to teach her African students. Mburu's approach to hermeneutics is one that begins in Africa, moving from the known to the unknown as students learn to apply her 'four-legged stool model' to biblical texts, namely examining: the parallels to African contexts, the theological context, the literary context, and the historical and cultural context. This textbook will help students and pastors interpret Scripture with greater accuracy in their own context, allowing for faithful application in their local contexts.

In many communities across the world traditional beliefs and practices are passed down generations and are a feature of day-to-day life, despite the influence of outside sources. Focusing on Luo Muslims in Kenya, Dr Lawrence Oseje looks at the interaction of Islam and traditional Luo practices, especially those around death and burial.Dr Oseje's research with Luo Muslims in Kendu Bay investigates the impact of the traditional Luo conceptualization of death with their current views, and provides new understanding of fundamental issues that affect the lives of ordinary Muslims. From his observation of this community, Oseje encourages a celebration of traditions and customs, showing that an appreciation of traditions and beliefs can help develop ministry to local communities. Dr Oseje's findings result in a deepened understanding of cultures, how they develop from a blend of influences, and provides anthropological and missiological guidelines for cross-cultural ministry, particularly in times of bereavement.

For a long time African history has been dominated by western perspectives through predominantly male accounts of colonial governments and missionaries. In contrast, Dr Emily Onyango provides an African history of mission, education development and women's roles in Kenya. Based on archival research and interviews of primary sources this book explores the relationship of these areas of history with each other, focusing on the Luo culture and the period of 1895 to 2000.With the pre-colonial African context as the foundation for understanding and writing history, Dr Onyango uses gender to analyze the role of Christian missionaries in the development of women's education and their position in Kenyan society. The result of this well-researched study is not only a challenge to the traditional understanding of history, but also a counternarrative to the common view that to be liberated African women must disregard Christianity. Rather she looks at the importance Christianity plays in helping women establish themselves economically, politically and socially, in Kenyan society. This research is a vital contribution to women's history and the history of Christianity in Africa.

1 Samuel is full of riveting narratives related to the beginning of dynastic monarchy in ancient Israel. These narratives provide not only the spiritual wisdom about our relationship with the Lord, but also insights into the outworking of political power. Throughout this commentary, Dr Koowon Kim introduces the reader to relevant aspects of the Chinese historical novel, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which has been so influential in forming the worldview of people in much of East Asia since the fourteenth century. Both theologically and historically informed, this commentary will help those from cultures heavily influenced by the story to understand the biblical narrative of 1 Samuel, as well as inform those interested in East Asian culture of commonly held beliefs regarding what constitutes a good ruler.The Asia Bible Commentary series empowers Christian believers in Asia to read the Bible from within their respective contexts. Holistic in its approach to the text, each exposition of the biblical books combines exegesis and application. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the Body of Christ in Asia by providing pastoral and contextual exposition of every book of the Bible.

« Enracinés dans la Parole, engagés dans le monde », tel était le thème de la consultation internationale du Conseil International pour la Formation Théologique Évangélique (ICETE) en 2012, à Nairobi, au Kenya. Deux questions ont émergé de ce thème : Comment savoir si les formations de nos institutions théologiques contribuent bien à la croissance de l'Église ? Peut-on mesurer l'impact de la formation théologique sur l'Église et la société ?Pour répondre à ces deux questions fondamentales, l'ICETE a tenu une consultation triennale internationale en 2015. Des acteurs de la formation théologique issus de divers horizons mondiaux ont présenté le projet de « révision du programme d'études axée sur la recherche », destiné à améliorer la compréhension des besoins réels du ministère et à mieux préparer les étudiants à servir dans leurs propres contextes. Ce livre présente les réflexions et les expériences de divers auteurs, dans leur volonté de comprendre leur contexte pour améliorer la qualité et la pertinence de la formation théologique.

The ICETE Programme for Academic Leadership (IPAL) was officially established in 2010 and arose out of the need to provide training to theological institutions in different regions of the world. IPAL provides a three-year cycle of seminars for the professional development of evangelical academic leaders and administrators to help institutions in their pursuit of quality and excellence in theological education.This publication is the third and final volume intended to accompany and support the IPAL seminars as well as be an independent resource to aid theological institutions with faculty development.Faculty development is at the heart of theological education. This book lays the foundation for institutions to equip, train and release emerging academic leaders to advance their careers and improve the standards of their teaching and research. The contributors to this volume share the findings of research conducted at evangelical academic institutions in various contexts around the world so other senior administrators can enhance the quality of theological education at their own institution.

Reinhold Niebuhr is largely regarded as the leading twentieth-century theologian of sin. However, many feminist theologians criticize Niebuhr's view of pride as the primary sin, arguing that it fits only with men's experience. In this detailed study, Dr Luping Huang engages with Niebuhr and his feminist critics to provide a response to the feminist critique of Niebuhr's theology of sin.Dr Huang provides a thorough analysis and examination of both the Niebuhrian and feminist understandings of sin, highlighting the strengths and limitations of both arguments. While some aspects of the feminists' opposition to Niebuhr's doctrine of sin are valid, there are weaknesses and limitations within its own framework. Through her research and interaction with women's testimonies, Huang's argument bridges these two competing views of women and sin resulting in a more accurate understanding and application of the theology of sin, particularly in reference to women.

The Asia Bible Commentary Series empowers Christian believers in Asia to read the Bible from within their respective contexts. Holistic in its approach to the text, each exposition of the biblical books combines exegesis and application. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the Body of Christ in Asia by providing pastoral and contextual exposition of every book of the Bible.Set in Persia, the book of Esther seems to show little interest in the temple, the Promised Land, prayer or other signs of the Israelite religion. Most peculiarly for a book of the Bible, there is no explicit mention of God! Yet there are many similarities with the setting of Esther and situations in Asia today, which open ways for God to speak into present realities. This commentary examines the book of Esther in its original context, and considers how to interpret and apply it in light of the rest of Scripture - both the Old Testament and the New.

Comment savoir si nos programmes d'études théologiques contribuent bien à la croissance de l'Église ? Est-il possible de mesurer et d'évaluer le résultat et l'impact de la formation théologique, à la fois sur l'Église et sur la société environnante ? Comment s'assurer que nos formations préparent bien les diplômés à exercer leur ministère dans leur contexte ?Dans un monde pluraliste où les diplômés d'institutions théologiques exercent leurs ministères dans des contextes et cultures très différents, la pertinence de la formation théologique devient de plus en plus importante. L'impact d'une formation peut se mesurer à partir de l'efficacité des diplômés dans les contextes spécifiques où ils exercent leurs ministères. Par conséquent, le programme d'études théologique doit être relié aux contextes des diplômés. En clarifiant ce qu'elles cherchent à accomplir, les institutions théologiques pourront déterminer le modèle de formation théologique à suivre. Ce livre explore différents modèles de formation théologique et présente les étapes à suivre pour relier les études théologiques et le contexte.

Everyone who has "eyes to see" acknowledges the growing importance of the African church to the future of global Christianity. But what does it mean for the church to take root in Africa? How should the message of the gospel and the practice of Christianity be contextualized for Africa? African Contextual Realities addresses many of the questions surrounding contextualization from a practical point of view and is the fruit of the 6th Annual Conference of the Africa Society of Evangelical Theology held in Nairobi in 2016. The book explores such questions as: In what ways should the mission of God be universally recognizable in every cultural context?In our efforts to contextualize, how do we avoid compromising the very gospel we are to proclaim?How can the African church wean itself away from dependency on the Western church?How does Christianity speak into some of the cultural and social issues arising out of contemporary African settings - issues like widow cleansing, Christian-Muslim relations, and peace-building?All those who are interested to learn more about the contextualization of African Christianity will find this volume to be an important resource.

À travers le monde émergent, la formation théologique évangélique connaît actuellement une croissance sans précédent. L'une des tendances les plus importantes de cette croissance est l'émergence progressive de programmes de doctorat évangéliques.Après une rencontre majeure à Beyrouth en 2010, le Conseil International de la Formation Théologique Évangélique (ICETE) a décidé de développer des ressources pour soutenir les écoles doctorales du monde émergent et les aider dans leur aspiration à une amélioration continue. Cet ouvrage présente ainsi ces ressources, y compris « les standards de Beyrouth » pour les programmes de doctorat, et une série de bonnes pratiques pour la formation doctorale.Inspiré par un engagement envers l'excellence, qui honore Dieu et se met au service de son Église, ce travail profitera aux écoles doctorales, aux étudiants et aux directeurs de thèse, aussi bien dans le monde émergent que dans le monde occidental.

One of the biggest questions facing Christians today is, 'How can I live wisely?'. Given all that we say about the Christian faith, is it possible to live an authentic, credible Christian life that demonstrates faith that works? Covering a wide range of practical challenges - whether trial and temptation, or poverty and riches, or our use of words, or our patience in suffering, or our struggle with the world, the flesh and the devil - James helps us become wholehearted disciples of Jesus Christ.This book is ideal for individual or group use and includes questions, discussion points, ideas for action and further study.

The Middle East is in a period of profound change. In the midst of turbulence, trauma, tragedy and the hopelessness felt by many, an increasing number of indigenous churches are finding ever more imaginative ways to be active in the societies of which they are a long-standing and integral part. This book describes some of these developments. It seeks to inspire Christians worldwide to stand alongside such people and to provoke everyone, in the Middle East and elsewhere, to ask what they should be doing to encourage transformation of societies to the glory of God.How can we be the salt, light and yeast that Scripture exhorts us to be when faced with despair? How can we live as active heroes when others expect us to be passive victims? The expert contributors of this book delve into these issues to give churches direction in these disorienting times.The Institute of Middle East Studies Series provides academic theological books that are contextually appropriate to the MENA region and prophetically, sensitively and in a non-partisan manner inspire people and society. These resources represent the output of the Institute of Middle East Studies (IMES), founded by the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary, Beirut, Lebanon, which seeks to bring about positive transformation in thinking and practice between Christians and Muslims in the Middle East and beyond. The purpose of IMES is to increase general awareness about Middle East realities and to resource evangelicals to serve specific needs in the Arab World and among Arab communities.

Durante varias décadas ha existido preocupación sobre la necesidad de una mayor integración y de un significado contextual en el diseño curricular de la educación teológica. Además, ha habido una creciente concientización acerca del papel que juegan las escuelas teológicas en el fortalecimiento de la visión y la práctica misionera en las iglesias locales.Desde 2008, el Seminario Bautista Árabe en el Líbano ha estado involucrado en un experimento continuo sobre el diseño e implementación de un currículo integrado y contextualizado. A partir del diseño de lecciones aprendidas en esta experiencia y del discurso más amplio que está teniendo lugar actualmente en la educación superior, Transformando la educación teológica provee fundamentos teóricos y principios prácticos para el diseño de un currículo bien enfocado, así como herramientas para un aprendizaje significativamente contextualizado en el aula.

This interdisciplinary study tackles the controversy of translating nephesh ( ¿¿¿¿¿¿ ) by using an intergenerational translation team to deepen our understanding of this term and providing a more valuable translation in Chinese, especially for use in specialist Children's Bibles.Traditionally nephesh is often translated in the Bible as 'soul', but despite the limitations of this popular rendering, it has led Christians in Chinese contexts to falsely understand views regarding the nature of human beings as a trichotomy. Dr Hui Er Yu's study offers different options for translating nephesh using the context of where the word appears in Scripture as well as in reference to linguistic and cultural meanings in Chinese contexts. The findings in this book will help to remove anthropological misunderstandings among many Chinese Christians related to nephesh as a result of historic translation decisions.Dr Yu takes a unique approach to translation by using an intergenerational Bible translation team, ranging from seven to fifty-one years of age, which not only demonstrates the importance of intergenerational ministry but also presents a way to fulfill the growing need for well-translated Children's Bibles in China for thousands of young believers. This book provides important lessons for the many translation projects working towards Children's Bibles but also for how translation of biblical terms can be better reached through this intergenerational process.

Shorter books in the Bible like 2 Peter and Jude are often overlooked by believers as they flick through pages of Scripture. Furthermore, because these two books deal with the unpopular theme of God’s judgement they end up being further neglected in the believer’s life and understanding of Scripture. Yet the evils these authors speak about are still very much present in the church in Africa, and are no less deserving of judgment today. But these books also bear glorious testimony to God’s power to preserve his people, and encourage us to stay steadfast and conform to the pattern of holiness in which we have been rooted.The landmark Africa Bible Commentary compiled the scholarship of seventy African scholars in one volume. Now, the Africa Bible Commentary Series provides deeper insights into each biblical book, explaining the meaning of Scripture in smaller, separate volumes. The series emphasizes the relevance of biblical concepts for the life of the local church and the case studies and African illustrations accomplish this in ways that mere explanations cannot. In addition, each commentary is divided into sermon units for easy use in developing a preaching series on the biblical books and includes discussion questions to assist further study.