Matters pertaining to our Lord's second coming, heaven, hell, and associated topics are often set aside by Christians, sometimes for very understandable reasons. Dogmatic predictions based on bizarre calculations from the Bible, and equally zealous disciples aggressively promoting their view point as the only right interpretation of Scripture, have caused many believers to lose interest in this wonderful aspect of biblical truth. In A New Look at the Last Things the reader will find a careful overview of various topics relating to the Last Things. Different interpretations are discussed and the merits of each is evaluated, enabling the reader to come to a fuller understanding of what the apostles taught concerning these matters.

Joseph Kelley has written a short, accessible, thorough introduction to, and overview of, Christian teaching on death, judgment, hell and heaven, called in theology the "four last things." Presented in the popular 101 Questions format, this book shows how these four topics, also referred to as "Christian eschatology," have their ancient roots in the sacred books of the Hebrew Scriptures, especially in the later writings known as apocalyptic literature. The New Testament receives and builds upon Jewish thought and piety, finding in Jesus Christ a new revelation about the meaning of death, the nature of judgment, and God's desire that all be saved and united through Christ in heaven. Kelley clearly presents the major theological ideas about the four last things that have emerged in Christian history, as well as the sacramental and pastoral practices surrounding death. Questions range from the simple What makes a cemetery Catholic? to Does the Church believe in reincarnation? to What do other religions say about judgment? and What does it mean to say that Jesus sits at God's right hand in heaven? This one-step guide to Catholic teaching on death, judgment, heaven, and hell is a one-of-a-kind book and will make informative, fascinating reading for high school, college, and graduate courses in theology, religion, psychology, social work, counseling, and ministry, especially death and dying courses. Also, adult education and parish study groups on death and dying as well as Christian support groups for bereavement. +

The Cosmic Pilgrim is an introduction to the world of eco-theology. Based on the vision of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, it describes the nature of reality in our Cosmos that is continually unfolding within our expanding consciousness, and the journey, the pilgrimage, of the universe through space and time toward its consummate destiny within the fullness of God. This radical, evolutionary perspective is part of the new story of science and religion. Mathematical cosmologist and visionary Brian Swimme is the chosen guide to this new cosmology, and his insights form the continuing thread of the book. His mentor, Thomas Berry, is well represented here, as are other great thinkers from the realms of science and theology: Jurgen Moltmann, Alfred North Whitehead, C. S. Lewis, John Polkinghorne, and John Haught. The Cosmic Pilgrim presents a personal, easy-to-grasp map of the current interface between ecology, religion, and science. It aims to develop a spirituality that is grounded in the present struggle of moving beyond our Earth-damaging, industrial mindset toward a higher vision of vibrant planetary community. At the same time it seeks out the wider horizon of ultimate meaning and ponders the mystery of the far future and our cosmic destiny. Although the book reflects the author's Christian background, it is nonsectarian in approach and could be enjoyed by any seeker interested in developing a "green" spirituality.

This Luke commentary bundle features volumes from the NIV Application Commentary Series, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary Series, and Expositor's Bible Commentary Series authored by Darrell L. Bock, David E. Garland, Walter L. Liefeld, and David W. Pao. The diverse features from each of the volumes gives you all the tools you need to master the book of Luke.

Continuing a Gold Medallion Award-winning legacy, the completely revised Expositor's Bible Commentary puts world-class biblical scholarship in your hands. A staple for students, teachers, and pastors worldwide, The Expositor's Bible Commentary (EBC) offers comprehensive yet succinct commentary from scholars committed to the authority of the Holy Scriptures. The EBC uses the New International Version of the Bible, but the contributors work from the original Hebrew and Greek languages and refer to other translations when useful. Each section of the commentary includes: An introduction: background information, a short bibliography, and an outline An overview of Scripture to illuminate the big picture The complete NIV text Extensive commentary Notes on textual questions, key words, and concepts Reflections to give expanded thoughts on important issues The series features 56 contributors, who: Believe in the divine inspiration, complete trustworthiness, and full authority of the Bible Have demonstrated proficiency in the biblical book that is their specialty Are committed to the church and the pastoral dimension of biblical interpretation Represent geographical and denominational diversity Use a balanced and respectful approach toward marked differences of opinion Write from an evangelical viewpoint For insightful exposition, thoughtful discussion, and ease of use—look no further than The Expositor's Bible Commentary.

A study guide for the average reader on the apocalyptic literature in Scripture, focusing particularly on the books of Daniel and Revelation.

Stefanos Mihalios examines the uses of the 'hour' in the writings of John and demonstrates the contribution of Danielic eschatology to John's understanding of this concept. Mihalios begins by tracing the notion of an eschatological time in the Old Testament within expressions such as 'in that time' and 'time of distress,' which also appear in the book of Daniel and relate to the eschatological hour found in Daniel. Mihalios finds that even within the Jewish tradition there exists an anticipation of the fulfillment of the Danielic eschatological time, since the eschatological hour appears in the Jewish literature within contexts that allude to the Danielic end-time events. Mihalios moves on to examines the Johannine eschatological expressions and themes that have their source in Daniel, finding evidence of clear allusions whenever the word 'hour' arises. Through this examination, he concludes that for the Johannine Jesus use of the term 'hour' indicates that the final hour of tribulation and resurrection, as it is depicted in Daniel, has arrived.

With the millennium fast approaching, here is a book that is both timely and informative. Reginald Stackhouse reviews the long-held belief that the world as we know it will end, that Christ will return, and that a new social order will be established.Writing in a popular style, Stackhouse provides an accessible look at eschatology, particularly biblical prophecies about the end of the world, from a historical perspective. He outlines three ways of interpreting biblical discussions of the end times that have been employed in Christian history: -- Millennial confidence: the best is yet to come-- Pastoral interpretation: the best is beyond this world-- Social interpretation: the best can be found here and nowThroughout his work the author uses historical figures and examples to illustrate his points.

All of the poets interviewed in this collection are from Northern Ireland, all were born after 1920, and each has published at least one volume of poetry. Arranged chronologically by each poet's date of birth, this collection deals with an impressive body of work. The poets include Seamus Heaney, Paul Muldoon, Michael Longley, John Montague, Derek Mahon, Ciaran Carson, as well as less-known voices, including Gerald Dawe, Roy McFadden, and Conor O'Callaghan. The interviews explore the poet's work and development, the social/historical context, and the impact of assimilated influences. If they explore a poetry often rooted in "the North," they also suggest the individuality and diversity of this poetry, of work whose imaginative range is not circumscribed by either literal borders or critically convenient categories. The other poets included are: James Simmons, Tom Paulin, Frank Orsmby, Medbh McGuckian, Robert Greacen, Cathal P Searcaigh, Colette Bryce, Moyra Donaldson, Jean Bleakney, Martin Mooney, Padraic Fiacc, and Cherry Smyth.