Books published by Westminster John Knox Press

In this important addition to the Old Testament Library, now available in a new casebound edition, renowned scholar Brevard Childs writes on the Old Testament's most important theological book.

In this new addition to the Old Testament Library series, Graeme Auld writes, "This book is about David." The author demonstrates how all the other personalities in First and Second Samuel--including Samuel, for whom the books were named--are present so that we may see and know David better.

Now available as a casebound, this volume in the highly acclaimed New Testament Library series reveals the great theological promises of Ephesians while discussing issues of context, authorship, and style.

William H. Willimon, one of the most respected voices in the pulpit today, has been inspiring congregations and their leaders for decades. This marvelous collection of sermons-mined from Willimon's earliest pastorates, through his time as Dean of the Chapel at Duke University, to his current calling as a Presiding Bishop of the United Methodist Church-provides a fascinating and inspiring look at this master preacher.Ordered chronologically and with an index of scriptural references, this collection will be a source of inspiration and education for decades to come.

This commentary on II Corinthians in the New Testament Library continues the exemplary quality of the series. Frank Matera provides a commentary that is a close study of the backgrounds and language of the text while also providing important theological insights into the message of Paul for his time and for the contemporary church.

Key theological and ethical words of the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible are explained by an outstanding group of biblical scholars in this wordbook. The articles deal with groups of related words, drawing the reader into the meanings of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek words. The book will be useful for lay readers of the Bible, university and seminary students, and pastors, adding depth to their understandings of hundreds of important terms, such as "justice," "Son of Man," "resurrection," and "kingdom of God."

In Putting the Amazing Back in Grace, Ann Weems reflects on the church of her childhood and youth, writing about her personal faith story as it developed amid the influences of family, culture, and religion. She goes on to reflect on the contemporary church--mourning, eloquently, the condition of the church today, charging that it has put...

"The episodes in 1 and 2 Samuel are striking in their depiction of human characterspriests, soldiers, kings, prophets, and royal advisersbut also significant in how they narrate the central character of this history, the God of Israel. History, in these books, is not simply an...

Despite our best efforts to create welcoming and affirming congregations, the reality is that church can still be a harmful place to LGBTQIA youth.Inside A Brief Guide to Ministry with LGBTQIA Youth, author Cody J. Sanders challenges pastors and church leaders to reflect on the various trials that adolescence brings for LGBTQIA youth. Designed for congregations that currently have a theologically and biblically affirming stance toward the LGBTQIA community, this unique resource provides insight and practical advice for tough questions like: How does an affirming stance toward LGBTQIA people affect the day-to-day experience of teenagers in a church setting? In what ways can a church's youth ministry have a positive impact on the lives of LGBTQIA youth who want to fully live out their Christian faith and their gender identity? How can a pastor, youth minister, or youth ministry volunteer embrace, nurture, and provide skillful care for LGBTQIA youth in a congregation or community? A glossary of terms to use when talking about LGBTQIA issues and a list of national and location resources that can be used to support LGBTQIA youth are included.

This original commentary foregrounds at every turn the poetic genius of the Song of Songs, one of the most elusive texts of the Hebrew Bible.

Those who study the Bible are becoming increasingly attentive to the significance of economics when examining ancient texts and the cultures that produced them. This book looks at the socioeconomic landscape of Second Temple Judea, from the end of the Babylonian exile to the destruction of the temple by the Romans (532 BCE to 70 CE). Adams...

Originally published: White Sulphur Springs, WV: OSL Publications, c2012.

In this collection, six leading theologians on political theology explore the contemporary states and potential future of the discipline. Offering a highly nuanced and complex picture of "older" and "newer" Political Theology, these scholars examine the multifaceted interconnections and tensions between political theologies, liberation...

This new commentary in the New Testament Library series is not a systematic study of Pauline theology; rather, the aim of this study is to trace Paul's theology as it unfolds in his letter to the church at Galatia, and to attempt to illuminate, as far as possible, how the Galatians likely comprehended it, at the time they received it.

The letters of 1 and 2 Peter and of Jude come from a time in Christian history about which we know little; thus they represent rare voices from a crucial time in Christianity's development. And the picture of early Christianity suggested by these letters is a fascinating one.

Well-known Episcopal priest and author Malcolm Boyd draws on his many and varied experiences to provide lessons for others who are facing middle age and beyond. The themes of this book reflect Boyd's own life, a life that has taken him from Hollywood, where he was a television producer and partner of screen legend Mary Pickford, to the South, where he was a Freedom Rider during the Civil Rights movement, to San Francisco, where he was the "rebel priest" who read prayers and led worship services in coffeehouses and nightclubs.

Farmer, writer, and preacher-at-large for more than half a century, master storyteller Will Campbell offers a collection of thirty classic meditations challenging readers toward a more conscientious faith. With the soul of a true satirist, Campbell combines Scripture and homespun humor in a deceptively simple style that belies the seriousness...

The New Testament's three letters attributed to John have always provided remarkable theological riches for the Christian tradition, including the assertion "God is love."

These essays, by a "Who's Who" list of authors, explore many themes in spirituality - the ecumenical nature of spirituality, theological perspectives, listening, spirituality in the dialogue of religions, action and contemplation, contemplation and work, discernment, eucharistic spirituality, centering prayer, spiritual perspectives on peacemaking, letters for spiritual guidance, and reading for spiritual enrichment. The essays were prepared to honor the life and work of Douglas V. Steere, co-founder of the Ecumenical Institute of Spirituality, and to further explore themes found in his writings.

When asked by his barber and good friend, Peter Beskendorf, for some practical guidance on how to prepare oneself for prayer, Luther responded by writing this brief treatise, first published in the spring of 1535. After 500 years, his instruction continues to offer words of spiritual nurture for us...

This book is a collection of essays by thirteen feminist and womanist authors who locate themselves within the Reformed tradition. Topics explored include: the Trinity, creation, election, atonement, the church, fear, resistance, and vocation. This book will be of great interest to scholars and students interested in feminist theology.The...

Although the name of the book of Numbers derives from the lists and census data contained therein, Walter Riggans shows that this biblical book, rich in content, is best understood in the context of the Pentateuch as a whole. In this incisive commentary, the author describes the people of Israel during their trials in the wilderness, throughout...

This is the third volume published in a three-volume set of lectionary resources, providing preachers and worship leaders of all denominations a host of written material for worship and reflection. Designed to complement the three volumes in WJK's acclaimed Texts for Preaching, this book weaves together a rich tapestry of quotations...