Category: Book Collection
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Confirmation
Confirmation is one of the most widespread practices in the contemporary church, although much confusion exists about its relationship to faith: Is confirmation a rite of passage? Is it just one step on an unfolding journey of faith? Are new privileges granted and additional responsibilities required of confirmants? Christian educator Richard Robert Osmer addresses these…
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A Brief History Of The Presbyterians
A review and summary of Christian Church history from the Presbyterian point of view. Its origins may be found in the early Church as described in the New Testament, says the author, only to be eclipsed as church government became increasingly autocratic. Consequently such representative government of a Presbyterian type as existed in the early…
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Sealed In Christ
“Sealed in Christ is an excellent teaching tool for congregations. In a remarkably simple and interesting way, the author has interwoven central theological affirmations of our church by explaining the different symbols that make up the seal: the dove, the fish, the open bible, the cup, and the fire, forming the cross. The book will help…
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Always Being Reformed
Is it possible to maintain and defend Christian faithfulness and integrity in a pluralistic world without being arrogant, exclusive, intolerant, or irrelevant? Is it possible to be open to change, tolerant of difference, and relevant without compromising or sacrificing christian authenticity? Shirley Guthrie looks to the Reformed confessions to answer these questions. He asserts that…
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Helping People Forgive
Using resources from scripture, theology, and the social sciences, pastoral counselor David Augsburger explores the complicated issues of Christian forgiveness and reconciliation and their real-world applications. He asks, what exactly is forgiveness? Is it always possible? If so, how? Is it ever optional? What role does repentance play in forgiveness? Does reconciliation imply a return…
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Scripture And Homosexuality
Reflecting on the meaning of the biblical texts and subsequent Christian history, Soards struggles with the issue of how Christians should respond to and comprehend God’s will in dealing with homosexuality. He ultimately advocates a heightened sense of both biblical authority and Christian compassion. Focused and accessible, this book is an ideal starting point for…
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Calvin
John Calvin (1509-64) was a key figure in what we now call the European Reformation; but his influence extends to the twentieth century, most notably through the theology of Karl Barth. Outstanding as biblical scholar, preacher and practical Church reformer, Calvin intended all his work to be service of the Word of God. Although couched…
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Claiming The Center
From Booklist: Taking the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as representative, Rogers recounts an interesting history of Presbyterianism in the U.S. as he pleads with the mainline of Protestantism to stake out a “centrist” position on social and political controversies. The history is more successful than the plea, which is based on a hierarchical conception of religion,…
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Coming Out As Parents
How do parents respond to the knowledge that their child is gay or lesbian? David Switzer, in a complete revision of his best-selling Parents of the Homosexual, helps parents understand their feelings and reactions to that knowledge and clarifies what it means to be homosexual. He explores recent scientific, social, and biblical information about homosexuality,…
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Introducing The Reformed Faith
In this guide to the Reformed tradition, Donald McKim examines sixteen theological doctrines (for example, Scripture, Trinity, Sin, Person and Work of Christ, Church) and shows how the Reformed understanding of each contributes to the broader ecumenical family of Christian teachings. Each chapter gives the biblical basis for the doctrine, then traces its development through…
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Singing In Celebration
‘Hymns are written to be part of the liturgy-the work of the people of God. When you write a hymn, you are putting words into the mouths of other people, other worshipers. The words of hymns become the words of a worshiping congregation.’ — Jane Parker Huber Hymns in this book are grouped into five…
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Proclaim Jubilee!
The biblical Jubilee that was celebrated once every fifty years is referred to in Leviticus 25 as the ‘Sabbath of Sabbaths.’ Its requirements included that the land lie fallow, all debts be forgiven, captives be freed, and a celebration held. Maria Harris considers the implications of a living Jubilee for today and for the next…