In this insightful work, the author explores the fundamental Christian virtue of 'agape.' Spicq's genius is the way he combines fine linguistic analysis, exegesis, and theological insight. The three volumes cover most of the New Testament books: Volume 1: 'Agape in the Synoptic Gospels' Volume 2: 'Agape in the Epistles of St. Paul, the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles of St. James, St. Peter, and St. Jude' Volume 3: 'Agape in the Gospel, Epistles and Apocalypse of St. John' The word 'agape,' in particular, had acquired so specialized and rich a meaning that it seemed almost a neologism. . . . The final word of the mystery of God and the source of the Christian life is always love. Everything is summed up in love. --from the Introduction

In this insightful work, the author explores the fundamental Christian virtue of 'agape.' Spicq's genius is the way he combines fine linguistic analysis, exegesis, and theological insight. The three volumes cover most of the New Testament books: Volume 1: 'Agape in the Synoptic Gospels' Volume 2: 'Agape in the Epistles of St. Paul, the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles of St. James, St. Peter, and St. Jude' Volume 3: 'Agape in the Gospel, Epistles and Apocalypse of St. John' In the writings of St. John there is one aspect of 'agape' which is brought out in singular relief--the aspect of manifestation and proof. Most of St. John's uses of the word should be translated 'manifest love,' 'love which proves itself,' or 'the economy, the development of the divine love.' --from the Introduction

In this insightful work, the author explores the fundamental Christian virtue of 'agape.' Spicq's genius is the way he combines fine linguistic analysis, exegesis, and theological insight. The three volumes cover most of the New Testament books: Volume 1: 'Agape in the Synoptic Gospels' Volume 2: 'Agape in the Epistles of St. Paul, the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles of St. James, St. Peter, and St. Jude' Volume 3: 'Agape in the Gospel, Epistles and Apocalypse of St. John' Agape is an active and effective love operating with a singular tenderness. The Sermon on the Mount stressed its heroic forms of patience and of gentleness. The parable of the Good Samaritan shows it to be attentive and tender, truly compassionate. . . . In the Gospel, to love means to give, to give oneself, to belong to another--to belong to God in obedience and consecration, to belong to neighbor in service and compassion. --from the Conclusion

The essays in this irenic book explore two pervasive New Testament teachings that are foundational to peace: Jesus' commands to love enemies and not to retaliate against those who do evil. These themes are covered from a variety of perspectives, showing the impact of Jesus' teaching throughout the New Testament.

The Bible takes its readers from the center of the Garden to today's urban centers with the same message for all: Christ has come to deliver the captives. Colin Smith shows how Jesus Christ is the focus of Scripture, indirectly or directly, from beginning to end. Beginning with the Old Testament, he unlocks rich, life-changing truths while encouraging and strengthening readers in their daily walk with Christ. Come along and discover the keys to a vibrant Christian life in Unlockingthe Bible Story Volumes 1 and 2.

Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:11 that Christ set the Church the role of the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher. Volumes have been written about Paul the apostle. Much less has been written, however, about how versatile he was in filling the other roles. In this small volume, noted author Robert Banks seeks to fill these lacuna. In doing so, he demonstrates how amazingly gifted and flexible Paul was. In the Introduction, Banks noted, that "rather than being a "ministry specialist" Paul was what we might call a 'general practitioner'. His versatility in this area was important, as it enabled him to model to his converts the basic forms of ministry that needed to continue after he had moved on. Only so, with the help of the Spirit, would their communities be able to grow to maturity and impact their societies in a distinctive way."

This is one of the first systematic theologies written from a believer's church--chiefly an Anabaptist-Mennonite--perspective. Dr. Finger develops his themes throughout the volume in careful dialogue with Reformed, Lutheran, Roman Catholic, and other historic approaches. The eschatological approach taken by Finger does not represent a fixation on future events. Rather, it represents a method of inquiry based on the early Christian conviction that the 'last things' had already occurred through Jesus, even though their effects were not yet fully realized. Chief among these were the resurrection of the dead, the outpouring of the Spirit, the coming of God's kingdom, and the defeat of the powers of evil. After outlining this vantage point, Volume I considered eschatology, revelation, and the work of Christ in its light. Volume II begins with anthropology. Jesus' human work provides the norm for authentic human being. Justification comes next and is considered as the eschatological revelation and actualization of God's righteousness through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. After treating the dynamics of personal sanctification, Dr. Finger explores the context within which it is pursued: the church. His ecclesiology begins with mission, including its approach to non-Christian religions and the sociopolitical realm. Volume II ends where most systematic theologies begin: with God, including the humanity and deity of Jesus Christ. "Thomas N. Finger has undertaken an important task that is rarely attempted: the production of a constructive systematic theology informed by judicious dialogue with current biblical scholarship. Finger's methodological decision to adopt an 'eschatological approach' enables him to work formally as well as materially from within a perspective shaped by the NT writers; his innovative organization of the loci of Christian doctrine--with its emphasis on the church as a community of believers living out the tensions between Christ's resurrection and Parousia--is a direct result of taking the NT seriously. "Particularly noteworthy is his exposition of the doctrine of justification in the light of recent paradigm shifts in Pauline studies. Finger's book is a productive and edifying work for all who care about the ongoing conversation between Scripture and systematics." --Richard Hays, Duke Divinity School "Thomas N. Finger has chosen an approach to the systematic presentation of Christian Theology which I also have taken since the publication of my Theology of Hope in 1964. He begins with the goal: with eschatology. With that goal in mind, a new light is cast on every single doctrine of Christian theology--the light of redemption--and the work of the theologian becomes a labor of hope. This is a "theology of the way." With the kingdom of God kept steadily in view, it becomes an invitation to walk the way of Jesus. "Tom Finger's theological prospectus makes a brilliant contribution to ecumenical theological dialogue from the Anabaptist tradition. He offers an eschatologically oriented theology for which I can only congratulate him." --Jurgen Moltmann, Professor of Theology, University of Tubingen "This volume is not only a contribution to the contemporary discussions in systematic theology. It is also an important ecumenical breakthrough. The Anabaptist tradition stands as an important dialogue partner in the quest for a common ground in the Christian faith. Finger approaches the biblical faith from an eschatological viewpoint that is faithful to the Anabaptist tradition, but in dialogue with Roman Catholic, classical Protestant, and contemporary scholars in both of these traditions. He has begun a substantive conversation that will be important into the twenty-first century." --Jeffrey Gros, Former Director of the Commission on Faith & Order, National Council of Christian Churches, USA

This edition is once again a new, thoroughly revised version of Christian Ethics II. In some portions the subject matter has been reorganized more organically, and recent theological developments and documents of the magisterium have been integrated. New themes have been added, others further developed, such as deepening the concept and content of mission, as well as ecumenical participation. Also, questions in bioethics have been supplemented, such as the duty to preserve life, topics of prenatal medicine, reproductive and therapeutic cloning, genetic alteration, and euthanasia. Other issues raised concern the discrimination against women, civil marriage of homosexuals, compassion in prison care, the right of asylum, humanitarian interventions, the fostering of peace after conflicts, empowerment of the poor in development projects, and the treatment of animals. The author hopes that this new edition will be a contribution to the ongoing aggiornamento of moral theology and that it will continue to meet the expectations of its readers.