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

Susan Power Bratton draws on information from demographers, economists, ecologists, and sociologists to argue that individuals should use Christian values when dealing with the regulation of human population. In this easy-to-read analysis, the author reviews a number of issues and provides case studies and discussion questions at the end of...

Here, M. Eugene Boring traces the role that early Christian prophets played in the transmission of sayings of Jesus and in the way these sayings were taken up into the canonical Gospels. He also examines Jesus' sayings to uncover the imprint that any might bear of having been handed on by early Christian prophets. Convincingly, he shows that...

These forty-six letters and writings of John Calvin, translated into English, demonstrate how Calvin applied the theology of the Institutes and the biblical exegesis of his commentaries to issues of everyday life. Here, Calvin gives advice to individuals and groups about theology, ethics, worship, politics, economics, and church practices...

Does Paul assume that Christians will remain in salvation? If so, on what basis? What, if anything, can disrupt this continuity, and to what extent can it do so? Using detailed exegetical analysis of the relevant texts, Judith Volf addresses what Paul believed about continuity in salvation and the importance of this theme for subsequent...

An outstanding group of authors address the structure of theological education using different avenues of approach. Each writer describes and frames a theological response to a major feature of the contemporary scene. The contributors look at events and movements that shape the organization of theological studies, including a review of black...

The coherence of this volume arises from the way in which John Calvin serves as the centering focus of various disciplines and scholarly approaches that touch on the life of the church. Its five sections convey a wide range of interests among the contributors: Calvin and his times, theology, ecclesiology, interpretation of Holy Scripture, and...

Outstanding authorities on Scripture, tradition, reason, biology, ethics, and gendered experience discuss one of the most divisive debates in the church today: the place of homosexuals in the community of faith. Each perspective is explored by two writers, one more conservative, the other more...

This translation of Calvin's enlightening book includes the essentials of his position on how one should think and live as a Christian. Keeping Calvin's intentions for a clear and simple text in mind, Paul Fugrmann presents an edition that has value for people who have a scholarly interest in the Reformed tradition and for lay readers who wish...

A major revolution in thinking about religion is called for in this challenging work by theologian and religious philosopher John Hick. The author persuasively argues for a true religious pluralism, respectful of the non-Christian traditions that have persisted over time--Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and...

Feelings of inferiority are as universal as the common cold, and cause as many problems with health and happiness, says Paul Hauck. To help combat these negative feelings, he discourages individuals from rating themselves and encourages raising self-acceptance, improving skills, and gaining respect from...

In this book, David Penchansky examines the inconsistencies between Job's beliefs and his actions. Adapting the theories of neo-Marxist/postmodernist literary critics Fredric Jameson and Pierre Macherey, Penchansky traces ideological and theological conflicts in Israelite society.The Literary Currents in Biblical Interpretation series explores...

Narrator, characters, action, hero, quest, plot, time and space, entrances and exits--these are the essential components of all narrative literature. This authoritative and engaging introduction to the literary features of biblical narrative and poetry will help the reader grasp the full significance of these components, allowing them to enter...

In this study of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Louis Weeks examines the present state of the denomination and how congregations can grow in faith through the current time of transition in the church. He considers markers of Presbyterian identity, new ways of connecting and faith development, and defining qualities of the church. Recognizing...

In this useful and accessible book, James Bailey and Lyle Vander Broek discuss the literary and rhetorical forms found in the New Testament. The authors offer definitions and examples of these forms while also helping the reader appreciate the significance of their use for the task of biblical interpretation. This highly readable book will...

In this book, theologian and author Michael Jinkins probes the present state and future of the Reformed faith. Addressing increasing division over scriptural authority, ordination and marriage of gay and lesbian people, and other social issues, Jinkins looks at some of the hallmarks of the Reformed faith and discusses how these can be viewed...

"Every time people sit down to eat and drink together, there is the possibility that community will grow and people will be reconciled to one another. This is good news for a fractured and polarized world, and a strong sign of the importance of being a welcoming congregation that embraces all people with God's love and grace." from the...

In this complete and valuable version of his Homiletics, renowned theologian Karl Barth's offers his thoughts on sermon preparation, including his understanding of the way in which the preacher should interpret scripture. Translated by Donald E. Daniels and renowned Barth translator Geoffrey W. Bromiley, this book presents lecture materials...

In this book, Ronald Stone breaks new ground by providing a fresh survey of Reinhold Niebuhr as a professor, demonstrating that this vocation was central to Niebuhr's lifework. This book reveals Niebuhr's passion for the development of an intellectually equipped, socially concerned Christian...

This book examines the image of the savior and the experience of salvation, two concepts that are inextricably entwined. Gail Streete asserts that Christianity set aside female images of salvation by emphasizing the maleness of Jesus. She draws on solid knowledge of the Jewish sources of Christianity and from the Greek-speaking classical world...

What do we proclaim when we preach the gospel? Paul McGlasson poses this question as the best point of departure for fresh theological work as a new era in theology begins. Influenced by contemporary discussion and indebted to classical tradition, McGlasson contrasts literal and critical interpretations of the Bible. His thought-provoking work...

In this thought-provoking book, Luis Rivera argues that evangelical reasoning and symbolism were appropriated to justify the armed seizure of people and land in the New World and to validate the conversion, peaceful or forced, of the natives. He recaptures the sixteenth-century political debates--where priests and theologians are both voices of...

World-renowned philosopher of religion Raimon Panikkar sees wisdom as the art and knowledge of life and a source of happiness and joy--a dwelling place where people are blessed. In this book he discusses four major issues: an existential feminist approach to life and knowldge, a catholic and less fragmented anthropology, a recovery of the most...

The essays in this irenic book explore two pervasive New Testament teachings that are foundational to peace: Jesus' commands to love enemies and not to retaliate against those who do evil. These themes are covered from a variety of perspectives, showing the impact of Jesus' teaching throughout the New...

In this book, Klaas Smelik presents a selection of writings from ancient Israel that ranges from tax records to battle accounts. Smelik interprets these writings in light of their historical, social, and biblical...

For years, the many books of Wayne Oates have served as invaluable field manuals for ministers and seminarians. Here, for the first time in one volume and by a minister who studied with him, are selected chapters from this distinguished author's fundamental works. This helpful new book reflects Oates's wisdom, clinical insight, and exhaustive...

Praise and lament are two major approaches to praying to God. In this book, Claus Westermann investigates these primary categories of the Psalms and shows their meaning for prayer and worship. He contrasts the Old Testament Psalms with those of Babylon and Egypt indicating their distinctive characteristics. Sensitively written and carefully...

Despite the tension between some proponents of feminism and organized religion, particularly in regard to family life, little has been written to view religion, feminism, and the family simultaneously. Drawing on history, theology, and the social sciences, the contributors to this volume analyze the impact of feminism on the experience of...

How can a sermon be shaped so that it conveys the reality of Scripture? In this innovative work seven homileticians explore new ways of bringing to life the power and drama of God's word in Scripture.In addition to editor Don M. Wardlaw, contributors include Ronald J. Allen, William J. Carl III, Thomas G. Long, Charles Rice, Gardner Taylor, and...

Hermeneutics defines the rules used to search out the meaning of Scripture. Throughout church history, interpreters have approached biblical interpretation in different ways, using different tools and methods. This book conveniently and accessibly surveys major biblical interpreters and approaches to hermeneutics from the patristic period to...

This book explores questions regarding the justice of war and addresses the lack of comparative perspectives on the ethics of war, particularly with respect to Islam. John Kelsay begins with the war in the Persian Gulf, focusing on the role of Islamic symbols in the rhetoric of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. He provides an overview of the...