This book examines the speculative core of Karl Barth’s theology, reconsidering the relationship between theory and practice in Barth’s thinking. A consequence of this reconsideration is the recognition that Barth’s own account of his theological development is largely correct. Sigurd Baark draws heavily on the philosophical tradition of German Idealism, arguing that an important part of what makes Barth a speculative theologian is the way his thinking is informed by the nexus of self-consciousness, reason and, freedom, which was most fully developed by Kant, Fichte, and Hegel. The book provides a new interpretation of Barth’s theology, and shows how a speculative understanding of theology is useful in today’s intellectual climate.

An examination of three interpretations of the most universally acknowledged piece of rhetoric in the history of the West, The Sermon on the Mount. The three interpretations examined, from the perspectives of faith and language, are: St Augustine, from the Latin and Catholic tradition; St John Chrysostom, the Greek and Orthodox tradition; and Martin Luther, the Reformation and Protestant tradition. Together and yet separately, they illuminate both the Sermon and the speaker for anyone who still takes the challenge of faith, and language, seriously.

Beginning with the origins of Western philosophy, the profound creation of the Hellenic genius, Reale presents an appreciation of the Naturalists, the Sophists, Socrates, and the Minor Socratics. Special attention is paid to the Eleatics because their problems decisively mark Platonic and Aristotelian philosophy. Interpretation of the Sophists benefits from the recent reevaluation of their thought. Socrates himself would be inconceivable without the Sophists since he is one of them. Socrates is given major prominence. Plato, Aristotle, and all of Hellenistic philosophy are deeply impregnated with his words and spirit. The teachings of the Minor Socratics are interpreted as one-sided reductions of the pluralistic values of Socratic thought and as anticipations of some issues that explode later in the Hellenistic Age. There are two appendices. The first concerns Orphism and contains a series of documents indispensable for the comprehension of some aspects of pre-Socratic and Platonic thought. The second explains the key to understanding the message of the Greeks--the message of "theorein".

Understanding the Bible as an account of the unfolding revelation of God to humankind through history, Roland Mushat Frye suggests that the many sub-plots, monologues, and reflections of the Bible compose a coherent story that continues through both the Old and New Testaments. "The convictions of the Bible, to be sure, are the convictions of religion and ethics," he writes, "but the methods are the methods of literature." Carefully arranging a selection of excerpts that comprise approximately one-fourth of the entire Bible, he enables the reader to follow chronologically the main narrative as well as the most significant asides. With introductory and explanatory material providing transition and background information, the reader progresses from book to book as from chapter to chapter in a novel. Thus, this is called The Reader's Bible because it may be read as a narrative, as a story that unifies consecutive events through which the character of God gradually unfolds. God first appears in the opening of Genesis with the creation of the universe; against this backdrop the human drama is played. We see Everyman and Everywoman endowed with a life in harmony as long as they accept the primacy of God. When they repudiate this primacy, chaos replaces harmony and they find themselves in a wilderness rather than in a garden. God then turns from the attempt to create a righteous and peaceful order for all of humanity to a concentration on one segment of humanity-the race of Abraham--for the development of a conception of human personality and community that may serve as a pattern for all human beings. Professor Frye writes that however miraculous the entrances of God upon the stage may appear to be, they do constitute entrances into ordinary human affairs. These encounters Invite us to look both within and beyond them to what they reveal about God and about ourselves. Concerned with the matter of living here and hereafter, the different biblical histories and stories are brought together to provide cumulative insight into human nature and destiny.

Mastering selfoften desired, seldom achieved, and easier said than done. It is an arduous, lifelong process of becoming. A journeynot a destination. A directionnot perfection. A disciplinenot a diversion. Mastering self does not naturally exist in the human condition. It must be cultivated by lifelong learning. Mastering Self is for critical thinkers wanting to become what they should be. It provides: • a paradigm to clarify your core ethos and code of conduct; • a template to evaluate your fundamental beliefs, principles, and values; • a lens to view your world; • a grid to filter your thoughts, decisions, and actions; • a linchpin to stabilize your life; • a blueprint to comprehend your bearing in lifes journey and destination; and • a benchmark to measure significance in your life. Mastering Self presents relevant principles and commentary applicable to leading self and others. Understanding them strengthens interpersonal relationships. Embracing them increases personal influence. Practicing them benefits anyone responsible for other people. A comprehensive reference for leaders, this handbook is based on timeless truths and virtues for reference, reflection, or contemplative study. It provides a biblical worldview for perspective and old-school insight for todays culture. Mastering Self includes two primers with commentary, white papers regarding issues in life, the authors Scot heritage influence, and memoirs. The primers are written from a practitioners perspective gained from twenty-four years leading three police departments, teaching command officers at police academies, and teaching leadership at a university. The white papers juxtapose personal worldview and ethos with Gods Word and manner of living. They reveal a deep conviction that God counsels and confides in those who fear Him (Ps. 25:14) and honors those who honor Him (1 Sam. 2:30). These papers result from reading, teaching, writing, and pondering to keep my heart with all diligence regarding issues in life (Prov. 4:23)often in the counsel chamber of God. This work is a labor of love and pertains to lifes ultimate question: God or self?

The ideas of five modern thinkers - E. Fromm, D. Bonhoeffer, F. Schleiermacher, K. Barth and R. Niebuhr - on the relationship between religion and faith.

CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY “The genius of Alister E. McGrath is his remarkable ability to write in a clear, concise, and lucid manner that draws both teachers and students to participate with the great thinkers of the Christian tradition, past and present. Education and illumination are the abundant fruits of this massive, well-organized text, which is sure to appeal to a wide range of Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox audiences. For this we are indebted to the author.” Dennis Ngien, Professor of Systematic Theology, Tyndale University College and Seminary, Toronto, Canada “For sheer comprehensiveness, clarity, and coherence, Alister McGrath has produced the definitive textbook. Always accurate and engaging, students are gently introduced to the gift of Theology in a memorable way.” Ian S. Markham, Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary Praise for the fifth edition “Alister McGrath has proven himself a master at engagingly and simply introducing Christian theology in all of its contested complexity. All who work at the critical appropriation of the theological tradition stand in debt to McGrath.” M. Douglas Meeks, Cal Turner Chancellor Professor of Theology and Wesleyan Studies, Vanderbilt University Divinity School Now celebrating its 25th year of publication, Christian Theology is one of the most internationally acclaimed textbooks in this area today. Completely rewritten for the sixth edition, it remains the ideal introduction to the beliefs and interpretation of Christianity. It is specifically designed for students with no prior knowledge, presenting the primary themes and debates of Christian theology with clarity and historical context. This new edition retains all the elements that have made it so successful while also including significant additions and developments. There is an increased discussion of contemporary theology to complement the excellent coverage of historical material. Important new information has also been added, in areas such as the Holy Spirit, contemporary non-Western theologies, and feminist voices in Christian theology. The text is rich in pedagogy to encourage student learning, featuring a two colour design, glossary, end-of-chapter discussion questions, and much more. Written by renowned theologian Alister E. McGrath, this classic text is a clear, lively and concise introduction that provides instructors with the tools they need to engage with their students on Christian theology.