Regina Schwartz asks why love is considered a 'soft' subject, fit for the arts but not for boardrooms, parliamentary debates, and courtrooms engaged in the 'serious' discourse of justice.

CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE has introduced thousands to the tenets of the Christian faith. This newly revised edition reflects changes in teh church and society and takes into account new works in Reformed theology, gender references in the Bible, racism, pluralism, ecological developments and liberation theologies.

Christian Doctrine has introduced thousands of laity, students, and theologians to the tenets of the Christian faith. This edition reflects changes in the church and society since the publication of the first edition and takes into account new works in Reformed theology, gender references in the Bible, racism, pluralism, ecological developments, and liberation theologies.

This book is written for those who want growth in love. This book is written for those who long for a place to stand with confidence in a trembling world. This book is written for those who suspect our civilization is running on fumes and want to help. If you are one of these people, then this book is written for you. In discovering Jesus as he encounters us in the Scriptures, you will discover that his love is unimaginably powerful for those who will place themselves at its disposal—powerful enough to restore all things.

The Liberatory Philosophy of Martin Luther King, Jr. is a philosophical anthology which explores Dr. King's legacy as a philosopher and his contemporary relevance as a thinker-activist. It consists of sixteen chapters organized into four sections: Part I, King within Philosophical Traditions, Part II, King as Engaged Social and Political Philosopher, Part III, King's Ethics of Nonviolence, and Part IV, Hope Resurgent or Dream Deferred: Perplexities of King's Philosophical Optimism. Most chapters are written by philosophers, but two are by philosophically informed social scientists. The contributors examine King's relationships to canonical Western philosophical traditions, and to African-American thought. King's contribution to traditional branches of philosophy such as ethics, social philosophy and philosophy of religion is explored, as well as his relevance to contemporary movements for social justice. As is evident from the title, the book considers the importance of King's thought as liberatory discourse. Some chapters focus on "topical" issues like the relevance of King's moral critique of the Vietnam War to our present involvement in Middle Eastern wars. Others focus on more densely theoretical issues such as Personalism, existential philosophy or Hegelian dialectics in King's thought. The significance of King's reflections on racism, economic justice, democracy and the quest for community are abiding themes. But the volume closes, quite fittingly, on the importance of the theme of hope. The text is a kind of philosophical dialogue on the enduring value of the legacy of the philosopher, King.

This book addresses the issue of Christianity in public life in China through methodological and constructive approaches. It aims to answer the following questions: How does Christianity, with its moral and spiritual resources, engage in and contribute to public life in China? How does Christianity operate amidst a background of religious diversity, cultural and social dynamics, and political realities in China? The distinctive contribution of this book is that it moves beyond simple description and evaluation of what is happening in Chinese Christianity toward a constructive theology for the distinctive realities of Chinese culture, society, and politics. This book proposes Christian public responsibility in order to identify the moral problems in Chinese public life. It attempts to enhance a public face of Christianity in China theologically and ethically by activating Christian resources in response to public life and highlighting Christianity's moral impact on the state and civil society without "the imposition of confessional bonds" or "the exercise of authoritarian control." (quoted from Abraham Kuyper). This book relies on both methodological and constructive approaches to define the meaning of public theology while making theological efforts to engage in public issues constructively in the Chinese context. Besides the Western Christian public theologians such as Kuyper, Reinhold Niebuhr, and Nicholas Wolterstorff, this book extensively refers to Chinese resources such as Christian thinkers, philosophers and social scientists, etc. to perceive public theology in China. This new formulation of Christian public theology in China desires to engage with Chinese experiences, struggles, traditions and ideology such as Confucianism and communism when investigating moral responses to public issues such as social justice, human rights, and religious freedom. A Christian co-construction with philosophical and social scientific perspectives on public life will lead to the modification of moral vocabulary in Chinese public life.

Biblical inspiration and interpretation in conflict? Evangelicals assert that the Bible is the infallible source and sole authority for Christian beliefs and living. This premise is currently under fire from social and cultural mores AND, more importantly, from differences of biblical interpretation. Contradictory opinions have arisen on several issues. —What exactly does the Bible claim? —What is the rightful role of women in the church and at home? —How do Christians evaluate homosexuality (is it always a sin)? —What is the church’s role in social ethics? Evangelicals at an Impasse considers these burning issues and offers helpful guidelines. Robert K. Johnston seeks to bridge the gaps among the biblical writers, the church fathers, and contemporary humanity. He offers an effective way for Christians, and more specifically, evangelicals, to understand the Bible as it relates to theology, tradition, and culture. Johnston considers the issues, the facts surrounding them, social practices, the pros and cons on each question, and provides striking insights in his conclusions—conclusions, NOT solutions. Evangelicals and other Christians—in fact anyone interested in religion in America—will find this a fascinating and remarkable book.

The Blackwell Guide to Plato’s Republic consists ofthirteen new essays written by both established scholars andyounger researchers with the specific aim of helping readers tounderstand Plato’s masterwork. This guide to Plato’s Republic is designed to helpreaders understand this foundational work of the Westerncanon. Sheds new light on many central features and themes of theRepublic. Covers the literary and philosophical style of theRepublic; Plato’s theories of justice and knowledge;his educational theories; and his treatment of the divine. Will be of interest to readers who are new to theRepublic, and those who already have some familiarity withthe book.

"This work, impressively documented, avoids fruitless speculation and gets down to the basics of the Christian faith. In a clear writing style the author powerfully articulates the unique activity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and shows how the work of each complements the other." Dr. Kenneth Kinghorn, Dean of the School of Theology, Asbury Theological Seminary "Focus is all-important. This book, biblical throughout, proceeds from the perspective of God's loving grace, and maintains this perspective as the whole revelation of God is unfolded in its light. The Trinity is rightly honored as this theology interacts helpfully with many other theological views and clarifies anew much that traditionally has been valued. This is fresh material that serves the church fruitfully and also speaks meaningfully to contemporary culture--exactly what good theology should do." Rev. Dr. James Earl Massey, Dean Emeritus, Anderson University School of Theology

This volume brings sustainability studies into creative and constructive conversation with actions, practices, and worldviews from religion and theology supportive of the vision and work of the UN SDGs. It features more than 30 chapters from scholars across diverse disciplines, including economics, ethics, theology, sociology, ritual studies, and visual culture. This interdisciplinary content presents new insights for inhibiting ecospheric devastation, which is inextricably linked to unsustainable financial, societal, racial, geopolitical, and cultural relationships. The chapters show how humanistic elements can enable the establishment of sustainable ways of thinking, feeling, and acting. This includes the aesthetic and emotive dimensions of life. The contributors cover such topics as empowering women and girls to systemically reverse climate change; nurturing interreligious peace; decolonizing landscapes; and promoting horticulture, ecovillages, equity, and animal ethics. Coverage integrates a variety of religious and theological perspectives. These include Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and other traditions. To enable the restoration and flourishing of the ecosystems of the biosphere, human societies need to be reimagined and reordered in terms of economic, cultural, religious, racial, and social equitability. This volume illustrates transformative paradigms to help foster such change. It introduces new principles, practices, ethics, and insights to the discourse. This work will appeal to students, scholars, and professionals researching the ethical, moral, social, cultural, psychological, developmental, and other social scientific impacts of religion on the key markers of sustainability.