Christian Responses to Spiritual Incursions into the 21st Century Church and Society

Christian Responses to Spiritual Incursions into the 21st Century Church and Society PDF Author: Nikolaos Asproulis
Publisher: Cambridge Scholars Publishing
ISBN: 1527561682
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 285

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Book Description
This volume provides an account of the surprising ‘in-breaking’ of spiritual life that persists in our culture, despite the best efforts of atheist spokespersons and secular theorists. Spirituality in its varying forms is irrepressible, resisting our attempts to exclude it by continuing to seep through the cracks and leak through the gaps. When it is allowed to manifest itself through the Christian faith-tradition, it has the power to surprise, transform and renew everything it touches. This volume contains a series of case studies, each of which describes the inner-functionings and out-workings of the spiritual life as a transformative point of contact between God, world, society and self. Each chapter contains high-level inquiry, drawing on best-practice scholarship that is deeply aware of the needs and opportunities that confront 21st-century society.

Christian Responses to Spiritual Incursions into the 21st Century Church and Society

Christian Responses to Spiritual Incursions into the 21st Century Church and Society PDF Author: Nikolaos Asproulis
Publisher: Cambridge Scholars Publishing
ISBN: 1527561682
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 285

Get Book

Book Description
This volume provides an account of the surprising ‘in-breaking’ of spiritual life that persists in our culture, despite the best efforts of atheist spokespersons and secular theorists. Spirituality in its varying forms is irrepressible, resisting our attempts to exclude it by continuing to seep through the cracks and leak through the gaps. When it is allowed to manifest itself through the Christian faith-tradition, it has the power to surprise, transform and renew everything it touches. This volume contains a series of case studies, each of which describes the inner-functionings and out-workings of the spiritual life as a transformative point of contact between God, world, society and self. Each chapter contains high-level inquiry, drawing on best-practice scholarship that is deeply aware of the needs and opportunities that confront 21st-century society.

African Pentecostal Theology

African Pentecostal Theology PDF Author: Mookgo Solomon Kgatle
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 1666953679
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 289

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Book Description
African Pentecostal Theology: Modality, Disciplinarity, and Decoloniality explores research methodology, theological disciplines, and contextualization as important aspects in the process of studying Pentecostal theology in an African context. Mookgo Solomon Kgatle outlines different data collection and data analysis methods, including the skills of interpreting and presenting research findings in a responsible manner. This book illustrates that Pentecostal theology, given its pneumatological approach, goes beyond conventional theological disciplines in transdisciplinary research. The development of knowledge in African Pentecostal Theology should recognize African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS), African oral and traditional cultures, and African indigenous languages to be relevant to Africans. Pentecostal theologians from different theological disciplines in Africa and globally will find this book a worthwhile read.

Four Views on Christian Spirituality

Four Views on Christian Spirituality PDF Author: Bruce A. Demarest
Publisher: Zondervan Academic
ISBN: 0310591899
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 240

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Book Description
How do Christians cultivate a vibrant and Christ-centered spirituality that's rooted in biblical clarity? Spiritual formation--the cultivation of a relationship with God--lies at the heart of what it means to be a Christian in the body of Christ. But with the rise of diverse spiritual practices, from Zen meditation to out-of-body experiences, the idea of spirituality has become watered down by postmodern culture. Christian spirituality, on the other hand, embraces devotion to the triune God, abiding in Christ, the pursuit of holiness, and the cultivation of virtues. But what exactly falls within the scope Christian spirituality? This volume of the Counterpoints series focuses on the Church’s search for spiritual identity, meaning, and significance as interpreted by four of the major Christian traditions: Eastern Orthodoxy – represented by Bradley Nassif Roman Catholic – represented by Scott Hahn Progressive Protestant – represented by Joseph Driskill Evangelical - represented by Evan Howard The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

Pragmatic Spirituality

Pragmatic Spirituality PDF Author: Gayraud S. Wilmore
Publisher: NYU Press
ISBN: 1479884243
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 335

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Book Description
Gayraud S. Wilmore, an internationally renowned scholar of the history of the African American church, is one of the founders of black theology and author of Black Religion and Black Radicalism. Pragmatic Spirituality brings together some of his most compelling writings to speak to continuing issues in African American Christianity and black theology. The volume makes available for the first time several of Wilmore's previously unpublished essays, including a new chapter on womanist theology written for this book. Each chapter has been thoroughly reviewed and where appropriate reworked for this volume in order to create a coherent work which reveals a consistent "pragmatic spirituality" in African and African American religious practice. This book presents a view of the Christian faith and life at variance with the quest for personal sanctity by emphasizing communal empowerment for humanization and justice. Pragmatic Spirituality incorporates some of the most engaging of Wilmore's voluminous writings to reinstate a persistent theme: that black or Africentric faith transposes itself from basically numinous and ecstatic elements in African and African diasporic religions to the immediate and practical work of healing and empowering the poor and marginalized. This book transcends a narrow Africentrism to call for a broad acquaintance with a historic motif in black faith that has to do with compassion, justice, equality, and the liberation of all people. This illuminating volume displays Wilmore's influence on the development of black theology for over fifty years, and introduces his work to a new generation of scholars.

Re

Re PDF Author: Jervis Djokoto
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 280

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Book Description
For almost the entire period of its existence, the Church has fought to stay spiritually alive. Now, we face a faith crisis of global proportions - particularly for our youth who are meant to lead us in the future. Re:New - A Case for Spiritual Renewal in the 21st Century explores the critical need for examination and spiritual renewal at all levels. This renewal will repair the leakages in our wells, filling us afresh with the life of Christ and of His Spirit, which will then overflow to transform the world. This is the Renew Movement! In the first book of the Re:New series, Pastor Jervis Djokoto explains the urgent call to action for all spiritual leaders and Christians to launch a spiritual revolution grounded in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Discover how you can join in at a Renewal Hub to spark the journey for you as an individual and your entire Church community. REVIEWS "As the Western Church is in decline and the Global Church is exploding, the question before us is how does renewal take place in both contexts long-term? This book is one of many being written by the next generation of global Christian scholars that is so encouraging and needed right now. Jervis has brought together biblical insight, robust theological reflection, has used his personal journey to give a strong way to move forward in the power of the Holy Spirit in both directions. This conversation is key for us as we try to see the kingdom of God grow, especially in globally influencing multicultural cities like Toronto, where I serve." -- Dr. JON THOMPSON, Senior Pastor, Sanctus Church, Canada and author of Convergence: Why Jesus needs to be more than our Lord and Savior to thrive in a post Christian world. "Churches in the Global north are in a period of spiritual decline as believers get pulled into formal religion or abandon the faith all together. But Jervis Djokoto, a Canadian millennial pastor and Doctoral student of Ghanaian descent is out to change that. In a hope-filled compelling fashion, Djokoto's Re:New - A Case for Spiritual Renewal in the 21st Century Church argues that the same experiential, Spirit-centered, communal and embodied movement of God that shifted the center of Christianity to the global south is available to all countries and communities. Joel 2 speaks of the Holy Spirit being poured out on all flesh. That means in these last days there are renewal catalysts everywhere being moved by God to personal revitalization. Djokoto shares his personal story of transformation and then invites other change agents to join him in local networking hubs that prioritize spirituality over structures and have a willingness to wait as long as it takes for the Spirit to come. The result will be a creative contextualized gospel where Jesus the ultimate cure reverses the signs of sickness in our culture. Here is a clarion call to be taken very seriously." -- JAMES PENNER, Lethbridge-based speaker, sociologist and lead author of Hemorrhaging Faith: Why and When Canadian Young Adults Are Leaving, Staying and Returning to Church. "In his call for spiritual renewal, Pastor Jervis is not offering a new formula but instead is suggesting we slow down and pay attention to the work the Spirit has been doing all along. Jervis makes his point via a survey of church history, theology and global Christianity. Spiritual vitality has consistently emerged as God works through the church's weakness and frailty. This book rings true because it emerges from the author's own spiritual journey as he has learned to listen and discern the voice of the Spirit." -- REV. DAN SHEFFIELD, pastor/church-planter, adjunct lecturer at Tyndale Seminary and author of The Multicultural Leader.

Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered

Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered PDF Author: James C. Wilhoit
Publisher: Baker Academic
ISBN: 1493435167
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 270

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Book Description
Most books on spiritual formation focus on the individual. But spiritual formation is at the heart of the church's whole purpose for existence. It must be a central task for the church to carry out Christ's mission in the world. This book offers an introduction to spiritual formation set squarely in the local church. The first edition has been well received and widely used as a textbook. The second edition has been updated throughout, incorporates findings from positive psychology, and reflects an Augustinian formation perspective. Foreword by Dallas Willard.

When the Church Was a Family

When the Church Was a Family PDF Author: Joseph H. Hellerman
Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
ISBN: 1433668432
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 242

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Book Description
Spiritual formation occurs primarily in the context of community. But as the modern cultural norm of what social scientists call “radical American individualism” extends itself, many Christians grow lax in their relational accountability to the church. Faith threatens to become an “I” not “us,” a “my God” not “our God” concern. When the Church Was a Family calls believers back to the wisdom of the first century, examining the early Christian church from a sociohistorical perspective and applying the findings to the evangelical church in America today. With confidence, author Joseph Hellerman writes intentionally to traditional church leaders and emerging church visionaries alike, believing what is detailed here about Jesus’ original vision for authentic Christian community will deeply satisfy the relational longings of both audiences.

Remnant Christianity in a Post-Christian World

Remnant Christianity in a Post-Christian World PDF Author: W. Paul Jones
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1725294869
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 369

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Book Description
The contemporary Christian church is in critical decline, both in membership and finances. All attempts at reversal are failing, primarily because of the consuming socioeconomic-secular dynamic in which society is immersed in its self-destructive course. Consequently, Christian imagery is losing its conceivability and credibility, and past motivations that once encouraged belief have lost their appeal. Without these as points of contact, the demise of the institutional church will be relentless, despite all efforts to halt it. Yet, as at other crisis points in history, the divine promise has been to raise a “faithful remnant” with sufficient promise to outlast whatever the societal demise. After carefully analyzing the ingredients of our societal crisis, the author develops the contours of a “Remnant Church” to be set in place now within the present institutional churches. This necessitates distilling a vital spirituality and discerning the heart of a preservable tradition, sufficient to claim both personal and communal commitment. Thereby prepared for the long haul, the Remnant Church can emerge as a prophetic alternative.

Soul in Society

Soul in Society PDF Author: Gary J. Dorrien
Publisher: Fortress Press
ISBN: 9780800628918
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 404

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Book Description
Gary Dorrien's major work addresses the roots of and remedy to the current crisis in American Christian social ethics.Focusing on the story of American liberal Protestantism, the book examines in fascinating depth the three major movements in this century ? the Social Gospel, Christian Realism, and Liberation Theology ? in a way that also brings African American, feminist, environmentalist, Catholic, and other voices into the increasingly multicultural quest.Dorrien then carefully assesses the crisis of social Christian thought in a culture that is increasingly secular, materialistic, and dominated by capitalism. He shows how the progressive Christian vision of social and economic democracy can be redeemed in the face of its apparent defeat. He argues strongly for a social Christianity faithful to the spiritual reality and kingdom-oriented ethic of the way of Christ.Dorrien's engaging narrative, knowledgeable and fair analysis, and thoughtful proposal bring desperately needed clarity and commitment to the Christian social conscience.

On Being the Church of Jesus Christ in Tumultuous Times

On Being the Church of Jesus Christ in Tumultuous Times PDF Author: Joe R. Jones
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1597522767
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 270

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Book Description
This collection of essays, sermons, and prayers urges the church today to be the sort of community that sustains a vigorous and continuing conversation within itself as to who has called it into being, to whom it is responsible, and what it is called to be and to do. Jones reminds the church that it is an alternative political community called into being by the Gospel. This collection explores what it means to be such an alternative community in tumultuous times, in times when it is tempting to look to the world for answers, and to confuse loyalty to the nation-state with loyalty to God. A theme throughout all the writings is that the church is the necessary context for becoming and being a Christian.