Books published by Westminster/John Knox Press,U.S.

With this new lectionary commentary series, Westminster John Knox offers the most extensive resource for preaching on the market today. When complete, the twelve volumes of the series will cover all the Sundays in the three-year lectionary cycle, along with movable occasions, such as Christmas Day, Epiphany, Holy Week, and All Saints' Day.For...

This unique handbook to Reformation theologies provides an accurate and easily grasped entry into the main terms and issues that made this period so important theologically. A variety of Reformation experts succinctly summarize the ideas that led to such explosive changes throughout Europe and the New World. No other volume provides such an...

These inspirational poems reflect Peggy Shriver's close and careful observation of both natural and social/political events. They move beyond the stereotypical sentiments of political advocacy to expressions of compassion, concern, ministry, and, at times...

This highly engaging and readable book is a study of Joseph Caiaphas, a Jewish high priest of the first century and one of the men who sent Jesus to his death. Caiaphas is a valuable resource for scholars of ancient history and students of the Gospel of...

The reasons people are attracted to Christianity and its teachings are many and varied. In this book, Allen hopes "to supply more of the information (pieces of the puzzle) that are needed if a person is to make sense of the Christian understanding of God and our life in the universe." More philosopher than theologian, Allen writes for "a...

A classroom standard for two decades, The New Testament World: Insights from Cultural Anthropology has introduced students to both the New Testament and the social-scientific study of the New Testament. This revised and expanded third edition offers new chapters on envy and the Jesus movement, updates chapters from earlier editions, augments...

In the ancient world as in contemporary times, religion provides a vital context in which people become who they are and establish themselves with a unique identity. This process of constructing the self is not only a psychological process and a phenomenological reality; it can also be a deeply religious...

Marianne Thompson surveys the portrayal of God as Father in the Old Testament and Second Temple Judaism, in the ministry of Jesus, in the Synoptic Gospels, and in the writings of Paul and John. Thompson argues that, rather than rooting the image of God in a debate about gender, "Father" terminology really identifies an ancestor who grants...

The Church: A Believing Fellowship is a classic examination of what it means to become a member of the church. Designed for junior high communicant classes, it is also an excellent resource for church officer training and new member classes. The book confronts the choices and questions that arise for young people--or anyone for that...

This valuable resource on the role of the Presbyterian elder covers many basic topics. It examines the Presbyterian and Reformed understanding of the Christian faith as well as the qualifications for the office of elder, its importance for the church, and the functions of the office. It discusses the role of the elders in the session and in the...

Here is an engaging first-person study of a self-described straight, uptight, conservative Christian and the life situations that led him to a new sense of freedom and openness. Believing that experiences should be shared, Jack Rogers reflects on his childhood, his studies, his marriage and parenthood, the people he's met, and his service to...

Earl S. Johnson, Jr., explores eight biblical texts that have been instrumental in forming the basis of Presbyterian belief and mission. Using Reformed and Presbyterian principles of biblical interpretation--and the standards of modern biblical criticism, he examines Presbyterian theological statements and their influence on the development of...

This accessible introduction to the Christian faith offers a hands-on look at the whole story of the Bible in an effort to help the person in the pew grapple with what it means to be a Christian in a world of conflicting ideologies and competing claims. This We Believe presents eight beliefs that form the basis of the Christian faith in the...

Here is a collection of popular hymns, including "Amazing Grace," "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," "Go Tell It on the Mountain," "I Love to Tell the Story," "Just a Closer Walk with Thee," and "Swing Low Sweet Chariot." Hymns We Love to Sing is great for use in the pew, on retreats, or during song...

This collection of essays and sermons by prominent Presbyterian leaders and theologians examines the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and its application for the church today. Divided into three sections, the book explores the four central affirmations of the third article of the Nicene Creed, considers contemporary issues related to the renewed...

Pastor, consultant, and award-winning author Art Beals challenges churches to see each member as a potential missionary; in so doing, churches return full circle to the New Testament church model of ministry. Founded in trinitarian theology, Beal's practical advice explores congregation-based mission, explains how to creatively mobilize...

Throughout our history, Presbyterians have needed and wanted a companion to the Constitution. This volume is an attempt to provide that companion. It is a valuable tool whose use will bring a better understanding of the church's Constitution and how it works. As a companion, this book is intended to be an aid to education and...

This second book in the Foundations of Christian Faith series explores such questions as, who cares about worship? what are the meanings for contemporary Christians of worship and the sacraments? what motivates people to worship God? and what constitutes meaningful worship today?"The Foundations of Christian Faith series enables readers to...

Using case studies of authentic congregations--diverse Presbyterian congregations that are responding creatively and effectively in their social contexts--William Hopper draws insights for all congregations desiring more vital worship, service, and witness. He offers wisdom for congregations about how to engage controversial issues and develop...

In Transforming the Mainline Church, Robert Chesnut provides valuable lessons for inner-city churches. He urges congregations to be more open to diversity, to emphasize the arts and music, to support entrepreneurial leadership, and to move beyond denominational concerns to an approach that responds to the religious hungers of a new...

This delightful book is a guide to worship for young children. Illustrated by mice that help explain Sunday worship services and encourage participation in worship by children and their parents, this book was designed for use by children age three through nine with the help of parents or...

Richard Osmer's Confirmation provides a comprehensive discussion of the particularities of the Protestant experience of confirmation by examining Presbyterian, Episcopal, Lutheran, and Methodist practices. Osmer explains the need for a renewed understanding of confirmation in the Presbyterian Church and proposes a two-step process of...

The Tabloid Bible is a fresh and funny take on biblical literacy. Humorist Nick Page, who happens to take the Bible very seriously, captures perfectly the deadpan style of popular, sensational tabloids found in supermarket checkout lanes everywhere in his retelling of major biblical events from Genesis to...

These three hundred prayers from more than sixty countries reflect the ecumenical and international character of the Christian community. Themes include work and rest, war and peace, family and community, grief and joy, poverty and plenty, and churches and...

A riveting new voice in literary memoir tells the gripping true story of a family shattered--and ultimately set free--by the revelation of a long-hidden secret. Sally Lowe Whitehead shares the deeply personal story of her own and her husband's lifelong quest for spiritual truth--and her astonishing discovery of her husband's homosexuality...

Though some conflict in the church may be normal, there are some types of conflict which are abnormal and abusive. Within some congregations there are personalities who seek to unsettle the relationship between minister and congregation. In this engaging and useful book, G. Lloyd Rediger offers strategies to prevent abuse, support clergy, and...

This collection of essays honors the work of Diogenes Allen, one of the leading theologians in the United States during the twentieth century. The list of contributors from the fields of theology, spirituality, and ethics demonstrate how Allen's work remains fresh, invigorating, and provocative today. Interdisciplinary by design, this...