This book is for both evangelicals and ecumenicals interested in a holistic approach to the Christian vision of social transformation. The author compares Richard Mouw's Reformed political theology and Nam-dong Suh's Minjung theology to suggest a vision of transformation that is theologically more cogent and politically more engaged. In general, Minjung theology understands transformation in terms of political liberation and Reformed theology in terms of spiritual redemption, and theologians of the two theologies have criticized the other's approach as theologically inadequate. However, Suh's formulation of Minjung theology and Mouw's Reformed political theology based on the neo-Calvinist worldview show significant affinities with each other in their understanding of transformation in Christ. Both Suh and Mouw show a broad understanding of liberation and redemption. They develop their theologies in an inclusive both/and way of thinking, and their holistic approach is contrasted with the exclusive either/or way of thinking in the Minjung theology of Byung-mu Ahn and the Reformed theology of David VanDrunen. The book concludes that redemption in Christ aims at an all-encompassing transformation that includes not only spiritual renewal but also liberation from social alienation, economic inequality, and political oppression.

In To Liberate and Redeem, scholar Edward LeRoy Long Jr. surveys the full biblical narrative--setting the context by beginning with the oppression of Israel's enslavement and the Exodus liberation, then looking back to the Creation and forward to Christ, Paul, and the early church. This original approach demonstrates how the unfolding drama of the Bible is marked by those who need liberation because they are trapped in oppressive structures and those who, once freed, must faithfully construct communities of redemption so as not to become oppressors themselves. From this basis Long explores how present-day moral decisions can be informed by studying the ways in which our biblical forebears wrestled with concerns similar to our own while standing in faithful responsiveness to God.

Offers essays and dialogues by well-known Buddhist and Christian scholars on topics that were of primary interest to Frederick J. Streng, in whose honour the volume was created. Topics include interreligious dialogue, ultimate reality, nature and ecology, social and political issues of liberation, and ultimate transformation or liberation.

In our fast-paced secular world, God and theology are second-class citizens. Money, politics, sports, and science seem better suited to the hard realities of our world. As the church steeple has been eclipsed by the skyscraper as the centerpiece of the urban landscape, so has the divine realm been set aside in favor of more immediate human experience. One sad consequence of this shift is the loss of spiritual and theological bearings, most clearly evident in our inability to understand or speak about such things. If the old way of viewing the universe no longer works, something else has to replace it. The Powers That Be reclaims the divine realm as central to human existence by offering new ways of understanding our world in theological terms. Walter Wink reformulates ancient concepts, such as God and the devil, heaven and hell, angels and demons, principalities and powers, in light of our modern experience. He helps us see heaven and hell, sin and salvation, and the powers that shape our lives as tangible parts of our day-to-day experience, rather than as mysterious phantoms. Based on his reading of the Bible and analysis of the world around him, Wink creates a whole new language for talking about and to God. Equipped with this fresh world view, we can embark on a new relationship with God and our world into the next millennium.

In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off]. Is who you are today based on what you do, or is it defined by who you are? A distorted identity and life of bondage are not a coincidence. A poor understanding of our identity is the primary cause of bondage amongst Christians today. For your identity directly determines your every decision and how you choose to live your life. A person who is liberated has the right or power to do as one pleases, or freedom without restraint or bondage. Galatians 5:1 declares this reality It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. However, too many sincere believers today are living in some type of bondage when they already have the power to be set free. Therefore understanding who we are and unlocking the power within us as children of God is the key to liberated life. A desire to be all that God created us to be should be our highest pursuit in life. When we understand who we are and our purpose in Christ, we will be able to take hold of all the amazing plans He has in store for us. In this book you will understand the reality of your true identity as a Christian, the purpose of being broken and restored, as well as the importance our thoughts captive. You will discover practical steps to walking in freedom and the significance of becoming all you were created to be. Founded in biblical principles and inspiring stories, this book will help you realize your true identity that can empower you to having long lasting freedom in every area of your life. What other people daily struggle with does not have to be your story too. That there is absolutely nothing which is too powerful or difficult for God to set you free today. No matter your past mistakes or current circumstances, join me as we realize the divine freedom that is ours in Christ.

An Award-Winning Challenge to Popular Ideas of the Kingdom According to Scot McKnight, "kingdom" is the biblical term most misused by Christians today. It has taken on meanings that are completely at odds with what the Bible says and has become a buzzword for both social justice and redemption. In Kingdom Conspiracy, McKnight offers a sizzling biblical corrective and a fiercely radical vision for the role of the local church in the kingdom of God. Now in paper. Praise for Kingdom Conspiracy 2015 Outreach Resources of the Year Award Winner One of Leadership Journal's Best Books for Church Leaders in 2014 "This is a must-read for church leaders today."--Publishers Weekly "A timely resource for the missional church to reexamine some basic assumptions that impact church practice in the everyday."--Outreach

Reprint of the original, first published in 1836.