Books published by William B Eerdmans Publishing Co

Foreword by Jean Bethke ElshtainThis important book is sure to foster informed public discussion about the death penalty by deepening readers' understanding of how religious beliefs and perspectives shape this contentious issue. Featuring a fair, balanced appraisal of its topic, Religion and the Death Penalty brings thoughtful religious reflection to bear on current challenges facing the capital justice system.One look at the list of contributors reveals the significance of this book. Here are recognized leaders from the academy, government, and public life who also represent a wide range of faith commitments, including Jewish, Christian, and Muslim. Like many people of faith and goodwill, the authors disagree with one another, variously supporting retention, reform, or abolition of capital punishment. As a result, the book presents the most comprehensive and well-rounded religiously oriented discussion of the death penalty available.Contributors:Khaled Abou El FadlVictor AndersonJeanne BishopJ. BudziszewskiJohn D. CarlsonMario M. CuomoE. J. Dionne Jr.Avery Cardinal Dulles, S. J.Eric P. ElshtainRichard W. GarnettStanley HauerwasFrank KeatingGilbert MeilaenderDavid NovakErik C. OwensGeorge H. RyanAntonin ScaliaPaul SimonGlen H. StassenMichael L. Westmoreland-WhiteBeth Wilkinson

This is a print on demand book and is therefore non- returnable. The First Theologians represents an important contribution to the scholarly investigation of the nature and function of early Christian prophecy. This topic, occasioned by Harnack's publication of The Didache text in 1884, is one that continues to vex New Testament scholars, who have been unable to reach widespread assent on certain pressing questions: What were the function and location of the prophets in early Christianity? What were the nature and authority of their prophesying? What were the forms and content of their prophecy? Such questions point up the issues involved in the inquiry as it has developed, but the question of just what early Christian prophets were doing when they were prophesying remains open. Thomas Gillespie refocuses the issue by looking at the apostle Paul's own description of the prophetic phenomenon in 1 Corinthians. From a careful exegesis of Paul's arguments in chapters 12 and 14 and 2:6-16, Gillespie puts forth the idea that Paul understood Christian prophecy "as Spirit-inspired interpretation of the theological and ethical implications of the apostolic kerygma." Because prophecy represents primary reflection on the implications of the gospel, its yield may be termed theology. Therefore Gillespie is able to call the early Christian prophets the first true theologians of the church.

Uniquely relevant to a world shaken by recent acts of terror, this provocative analysis of our culture of violence calls people of faith back to the way of peace that has always been the proper Christian response to aggression.With the newspaper in one hand and the Bible in the other, Lee Griffith takes a frank look at the historical events and modern forces that contribute to terrorism. This is not a book about small guerrilla bands of terrorists nor about so-called "Islamic terrorists" - it is a cogent, open-eyed analysis of a worldwide epidemic of violence.In a discussion that will no doubt be controversial, Griffith argues that terrorism and counter-terrorism are identical phenomena when viewed at the spiritual level. To oppose terrorism with violence acknowledges the terrorist assumption that meaningful change is only possible through suffering and fear. Likewise, terrorism and counter-terrorism both employ similar God language to justify horrendous acts of violence. This is true not only of "rogue states" but also of Western leaders who use religious language on the eve of battle.In response to today's culture of terror, Griffith points the way to a theology of peace. He first looks at specific current events that contribute to terrorism. Next, he mines the history of the church to see how the tradition has responded to violence in the past. Finally, he probes the biblical texts for meaningful answers. The result is a stirring message for our day: rather than serving as an incitement to violence, the biblical concept of "the terror of God" stands as a renunciation of all violence - and of death itself.Posing a radical faith for radical times, The War on Terrorism and the Terror of God is sure to generate discussion from every quarter.

The academic study of religion is undergoing great changes in response to globalization. Just as sociologists now find it necessary to think in terms of "multiculturalism," so religion scholars and theologians today must work in the context of "multireligiosity." Globalization is leading not only to multiethnic societies but also to plurality in religions and worldviews.Theology and the Religions: A Dialogue offers the first sustained analysis of the trend toward multireligiosity and its implications for the study of religion. Drawing on the resources of cultural analysis, religious studies, and theology, an international slate of thirty-seven scholars explores the relation of multiculturality and multireligiosity, the need for interreligious dialogue, and the possibilities for a "theology of religions." This groundbreaking work is supported by case studies of various religious traditions in diverse cultures from around the world.Offering an engaging, wide-angle view of religion worldwide, Theology and the Religions makes a vital contribution to our understanding of the forces shaping the future of religious and social life. Contributors:Kajsa AhlstrandTheodor AhrensJan-Martin BerentsenUlrich DehnHelene EgnellMarianne C. Qvortrup FibigerPatrik FridlundVirginia Garrard-BurnettGeomon K. GeorgeElisabeth GerleFriedrich Wilhelm GrafHans HaugeUlf HedetoftS. Mark HeimChris HewerKlaus HockMichael IpgraveAndrew J. KirkLene KühleVolker KüsterAasulv LandeOddbjørn LeirvikOle Skjerbæk MadsenHiromasa MaseMogens S. MogensenViggo MortensenJohannes NissenKlaus NürnbergerCaleb OladipoTinu RuparellRisto SaarinenLamin SannehOlaf SchumannNotto R. ThelleJoachim TrackVítor WesthelleH. S. Wilson

The English translation of the three-volume Exegetisches W rterbuch zum Neuen Testament, this monumental work by an ecumenical group of scholars is first of all a complete English dictionary of New Testament Greek. Going beyond that, however EDNT also serves as a guide to the usage of every New Testament word in its various contexts, and it makes a significant contribution to New Testament exegesis and theology. EDNT's thorough, lengthy discussions of more significant words and its grouping of words related by root and meaning (with alphabetical cross-references) distinguish it from simpler Greek-English lexicons. Advancing the discussion of the Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament, EDNT summarizes more recent treatments of numerous questions in New Testament study and takes into consideration newer viewpoints of linguistics.

The English translation of the three-volume Exegetisches W rterbuch zum Neuen Testament, this monumental work by an ecumenical group of scholars is first of all a complete English dictionary of New Testament Greek. Going beyond that, however EDNT also serves as a guide to the usage of every New Testament word in its various contexts, and it makes a significant contribution to New Testament exegesis and theology. EDNT's thorough, lengthy discussions of more significant words and its grouping of words related by root and meaning (with alphabetical cross-references) distinguish it from simpler Greek-English lexicons. Advancing the discussion of the Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament, EDNT summarizes more recent treatments of numerous questions in New Testament study and takes into consideration newer viewpoints of linguistics.

What kind of self-image should Chritians have? Should they see themselves primarily as unworthy sinners before a holy God? The biblical view, Anthony A. Hoekema argues in this readable study, is that humanity, having been made in God's own image, was the capstone of God's creation. Even when we fell, God considered us of such worth that he gave up his only Son to redeem humanity. And in Christ, as Paul makes plain, we are made into new creatures. This does not mean that the redeemed live a life of sinless perfection; it does mean that what is most distinctive about them is the new life they have in Christ. And this new life entitles Christians to a self-image that is essentially positive. Accepting the biblical view of our worth can be difficult for Christians burdened with feelings of guilt. How can such Christians learn to see themselves in better light? And how can others in the Christian community - preachers, counselors, teachers, and parents - help fellow members to attain the positive self-image that is essential to the Christian faith? Part Two of The Christian Looks at Himself offers concrete answers to these questions and in doing so points up the social dimension of being in Christ. As Christians accepts themselves as creatures made new in Christ, so in love they must also fully accept fellow Christians as recreated in that same Christ.ANTHONY A. HOEKEMA (1913-1988) was former professor emeritus of systematic theology at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His other books include Created in God's Image, Saved by Grace, and The Bible and the Future.

Aging is a fact of life, and issues surrounding it are hot. There are currently 35 million Americans over the age of sixty-five - more than ever. This demographic shift is noteworthy not only because the ranks of the elderly will continue to swell in coming years but also because it is taking place in what the editors of this book call an "ageist society," one that increasingly loathes every facet of aging. Indeed, the ethical issues associated with aging are among the thorniest in medicine and public policy today.Aging, Death, and the Quest for Immortality is a timely volume by physicians, health-care professionals, pastors, and ethicists who explore the experiences, dilemmas, and possibilities associated with aging. The book opens by offering three distinct perspectives on aging; this section includes practical suggestions for dealing with retirement, disability, healing, and death. Several contributors then analyze controversial ethical issues raised by aging and health care, including medical decision-making, the moral standing of patients with dementia, health-care rationing, and assisted suicide. A third group of essays applies a theology of care to ministry to and through older adults, the counseling of seniors, and the application of palliative care. The book closes by discussing some of the emerging technologies and interest groups aimed at achieving immortality, also asking, appropriately, what insights the Christian faith brings to the discussion.Reflecting much wisdom and sensitivity, this book will give welcome help to care providers and to those who are themselves in the later stages of life.