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Understanding Four Views on Baptism (Counterpoints: Church Life)
by Paul E. Engle John H. ArmstrongWhat is the significance of water baptism? Who should be baptized? Is infant baptism scriptural? Which is the proper baptismal mode: sprinkling, pouring, or immersion? Should people be rebaptized if they join a church that teaches a different form of baptism? Should baptism be required for church membership? These and other questions are explored in this thought-provoking book. Four historic views on baptism are considered in depth: • Baptism of the professing regenerate by immersion (Baptist) • Believers’ baptism on the occasion of regeneration by immersion (Christian Churches/Churches of Christ) • Infant baptism by sprinkling as a regenerative act (Lutheran) • Infant baptism of children of the covenant (Reformed) Each view is presented by its proponent, then critiqued and defended in dialogue with the book’s other contributors. Here is an ideal setting in which you can consider the strengths and weaknesses of each stance and arrive at your own informed conclusion.
Understanding Four Views on the Lord's Supper
by John H. Armstrong Paul E. Engle Thomas A. Baima I. John Hesselink Russell D. MooreFour different ways Christians understand the Lord's Supper?Baptist view (memorialism), Reformed (spiritual presence), Lutheran (consubstantiation), and Roman Catholic (transubstantiation)?are fairly represented and debated to provide readers with an opportunity to draw their own conclusion on this important Christian institution.
Understanding Fundamentalism: Christian, Islamic, and Jewish Movements
by Richard T. AntounThe second edition of Understanding Fundamentalism provides a compelling and up to date picture of religious reactions against the modern secular world. Comparing Christian, Islamic, and Jewish fundamentalist movements, anthropologist Richard Antoun shows how all three share common characteristics. In each tradition, fundamentalists seek purity in an impure world, attempt to make the ancient past relevant to their contemporary situation, look to move religion out of the worship center and into every aspect of life, and actively struggle against the aspects of the modern world they regard as evil. The new edition addresses fundamentalism in the post-9/11 world, transnational religion, and the impact of religious migration on Afghanistan and Western Europe.
Understanding Fundamentalism And Evangelicalism
by George M. MarsdenIn this historical overview of American fundamentalism and evangelicalism, Marsden provides an introduction to the growing religious movements and a deeper analysis of two themes that have been especially prominent and controversial in these traditions -- views of science and views of politics.
Understanding Gender Dysphoria: Navigating Transgender Issues in a Changing Culture (Christian Association for Psychological Studies Books)
by Mark A. YarhouseForeword Reviews' 18th Annual INDIEFAB Honorable Mention for Psychology
Understanding Genesis
by Dr Jason LisleThere are many opinions and subsequent interpretations on the Book of Genesis. What did the author of Genesis intend and how can we possibly know, or is the important thing only what the Bible "means to you"? In this book, Dr. Jason Lisle answers questions such as: What are the most common mistakes people make in trying to understand Genesis? What are the necessary rules of biblical interpretation, and what is the proper role of science in understanding the Bible? How does one identify the various types of biblical literature, and how do the rules of interpretation handle each type - poetic, prophetic, historical, etc.? Is there one correct interpretation of the Bible, or are there many? Discover why alternative positions are rationally impossible. Unlock a powerful understanding of God's Word and equip yourself with a reasoned defense against those who distort the Word of God.
Understanding Genesis: How To Analyze, Interpret, And Defend Scripture
by Jason Lisle"Is the Bible really so hard to understand? . . . . the correct interpretation of Scripture is not merely an academic issue; it is a matter of eternal life and death. "
Understanding How Others Misunderstand You: A Unique and Proven Plan for Strengthening Personal Relationships
by Ken Voges Ron BraundUsing the pioneering DISC profile, this book teaches--in clear terms--how to build closer, more understanding relationships at home, work and church.
Understanding How Others Misunderstand You: A Unique and Proven Plan for Strengthening Personal Relationships
by Ken Voges Ron BraundUsing the pioneering DISC profile, this book teaches--in clear terms--how to build closer, more understanding relationships at home, work and church.
Understanding Humanism
by Andrew Copson Luke Donnellan Richard NormanUnderstanding Humanism is an easy-to-read and informative overview of the beliefs, practices, and values of humanism as a non-religious worldview. This short and lively book explores humanism both as a broad historical tradition of thought and as a stance embodied in organised institutions. It sets out clearly and systematically the beliefs and values of humanism as well as the reality and personal experience of living as a humanist today. Questions discussed in this book include: How do humanists see the relation between science and religious belief? Is humanism wedded to science as the only valid form of knowledge? What value do humanists place on the arts, and can they value religious art? Does the emphasis on human responsibility depend on an untenable belief in 'free will', and is this undermined by psychology and neuroscience? Do humanists think that life is sacred? What account would humanists give of the basis of human rights, and why they are important? Does humanism entail that human life is meaningless and pointless? Can humanists meet the challenge of nihilism? Understanding Humanism provides a reliable and easily digestible introduction to the field. By exploring these questions and inviting readers to engage with the arguments, it serves as the ideal textbook for those approaching the topic of humanism for the first time.
Understanding Iraq
by William R. PolkThe Dramatic History of Iraq in One Concise Volume The destinies of Iraq and America will be tightly intertwined into the foreseeable future due to the U.S. incursion into this complex, perplexing desert nation -- the latest in a long history of violent outside interventions. A country sitting atop the world's largest supply of crude oil, Iraq will continue to play an essential role in global economics and in Middle Eastern politics for many decades to come. Therefore, it is more important than ever for Westerners to have a clear understanding of the volatile, enigmatic "Land of Two Rivers" -- its turbulent past and its looming possibilities. In this acutely penetrating and endlessly fascinating study, acknowledged Middle East authority William R. Polk presents a comprehensive history of the tumultuous events that shaped modern Iraq, while offering well-reasoned judgments on what we can expect there in the years to come.
Understanding Islam: A Guide for the Judaeo-Christian Reader
by Jerald Dirks M.DIV. Psy.D.In Understanding, Islam Dr. Dirks offers a timely and factually correct alternative to understanding Islam. It is written for the Western, and primarily Christian, reader. The primary focus of the Book is on what is termed Sunni Islam, i.e., the Islam practiced by approximately 85-90% of the self-professed Muslims in the world. The Book is unique in several respects. It treats Islam from its own point of view. It is written by a natural-born American for the Western reader, and thus may avoid some of the cultural overlay that accompanies some books on Islam written by other Muslim authors. The author is an American who has practiced Islam both while living in America and in the Middle East, thus offering a broader perspective than would have otherwise been possible. As a convert from Christianity to Islam, and as a former ordained minister within Christianity, the author does a very good job of expounding the commonalties and contrasts of Islam with Judaism and Christianity, while still avoiding the temptation to distort Islam by interpreting it from within a Judaeo-Christian perspective. The reader is introduced to Islam almost exclusively through the two primary sources of Islam, i.e., the Qur'an and the Sunnah, which are the only completely authoritative sources on Islam.
Understanding Islam Book (The Everything )
by Christine Huda DodgeMuslim convert Christine Huda Dodge possesses a unique foot-in-each-world perspective on Islam. With her comprehension of Islam and her understanding of the kinds of questions and issues that perplex Westerners, she is the perfect guide to:The life of Muhammad the ProphetThe QurÆan and the SunnahThe five pillars of practiceMuslim daily lifeWomen and IslamThis guide is ideal for casual readers and students alike. Authoritative, accessible, detailed, and celebratory, it covers everything from basic beliefs and practices to the Islamic influences on Western civilization.
Understanding Islamic Finance
by Muhammad AyubIn Understanding Islamic Finance Muhammad Ayub introduces all the essential elements of this growing market by providing an in-depth background to the subject and clear descriptions of all the major products and processes associated with Islamic finance. Key features include: Discussion of the principles of Islamic finance; Introduction to the key products and procedures that International Financial Institutions are using or may adopt to fund a variety of clients ensuring Sharī´ah compliance; Discussion of the role Islamic finance can play in the development of the financial system and of economies; Practical and operational examples that cover deposit and fund management by banks involving financing of various sectors of the economy, risk management, accounting treatment, and working of Islamic financial markets and instruments. This book is not only an important text for all banks and financial institutions entering this particular market with a commitment to building Islamic financial solutions, but is also essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students of Islamic finance.
Understanding Jehovah's Witnesses: Why They Read the Bible the Way They Do
by Robert M. BowmanThis book provides evangelicals with an overview of the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses, whose high view of Scripture is worthy of respect. The author asserts that Jehovah's Witnesses are often blindly attacked, under the guise of evangelism. This book also invites Jehovah's Witnesses to take another look at the Jesus of the Bible. Why is he so central to the faith of evangelical Christians? How did fellow believers in Scripture get so far away from one another in their conceptions of God?
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights into the Words and Deeds of Christ
by Joe AmaralModern-day Christians often bring their own presuppositions and assumptions to the reading of the Bible, not realizing how deeply their understanding of Christ's life and teachings is affected by a 21st-century worldview. In Understanding Jesus, author Joe Amaral delves deep into Jewish history, societal mores, and cultural traditions, closing the gap created by geographical distance and over two thousand years of history. Using a chronological approach to the life of Christ, he guides the reader through significant events such as Jesus' birth, baptism, and crucifixion, pointing out illuminating details that that the Western mind would normally miss.Amaral's premise is that to understand Jesus, we must understand the time and place in which he was born, the background from which he drew his illustrations, and the audience he spoke to. Throughout the book he explores specific terms, places, and events for their significance and shows how they add richness and meaning to the text. Topics include the connection between Jesus and John the Baptist, the annual Feasts and why they are important to modern Christianity, Jewish customs such as foot-washing, clean and unclean foods, paying tribute to political governments, and the significance of various miracles.In Understanding Jesus, Amaral draws back the curtain on a way of life that existed during the reign of the Caesars, and in doing so, reveals truths about the way we live more than two thousand years later, half a world away.
Understanding Jesus and Muhammad: What the ancient texts say about them
by Bernie PowerJesus and Muhammad are arguably the two most influential individuals who have ever lived. Over half of the world today claims to follow them and the religions they founded: Christianity and Islam.But who were these two men? Where did they come from? What did they do and teach? And what was their vision for the future?Understanding Jesus and Muhammad answers all these questions, drawing on the earliest ancient documents we have about them.In the light of the current tensions that exist in the world, the future of civilisation may well depend on how humanity responds to Jesus and Muhammad.
Understanding Jewish Holidays and Custom: Historical and Contemporary
by Sol ScharfsteinA historical and contemporary overview of customs and ceremonies as practiced by Jews from Biblical times to the present, discussing the changes that have taken place through the centuries.
Understanding Jihad
by David CookJihad is one of the most loaded and misunderstood terms in the news today. Contrary to popular understanding, the term does not mean "holy war." Nor does it simply refer to the inner spiritual struggle. This book, judiciously balanced, accessibly written, and highly relevant to today's events, unravels the tangled historical, intellectual, and political meanings of jihad. Looking closely at a range of sources from sacred Islamic texts to modern interpretations, Understanding Jihad opens a critically important perspective on the role of Islam in the contemporary world. As David Cook traces the practical and theoretical meanings of jihad, he cites from scriptural, legal, and newly translated texts to give readers a taste of the often ambiguous information that is used to construct Islamic doctrine. He looks closely at the life and teaching of the Prophet Muhammad and at the ramifications of the great Islamic conquests in 634 to 732 A.D. He sheds light on legal developments relevant to fighting and warfare, and places the internal, spiritual jihad within the larger context of Islamic religion. He describes some of the conflicts that occur in radical groups and shows how the more mainstream supporters of these groups have come to understand and justify violence. He has also included a special appendix of relevant documents including materials related to the September 11 attacks and published manifestoes issued by Osama bin Laden and Palestinian suicide-martyrs.
Understanding Judaism
by Daniel L DavidThe quintessential introduction to Jewish beliefs, practices and traditions by the rabbi and director of the New York Federation of Reform Synagogues.Rabbi Daniel L. Davis was a leader of Reform Judaism. His classic text, Understanding Judaism, has been widely used by Jews and non-Jews alike since it was first published in 1958. A popular volume for those attending conversion courses, if offers a fuller grasp of Jewish religion and culture. From basic concepts in Judaism to institutions, practices, and the organization of Jewish life in America, Rabbi Davis presents a comprehensive overview of the subject. This volume also includes vocabulary terms of Jewish interest and usage, a self-review section, and an extensive reading list on everything from Jewish history to Jewish literature.
Understanding Love and Responsibility
by Richard A. SpinelloIn his preface, Dr. Richard Spinello states, "Quite simply, Love and Responsibility is not an easy book to read." Karol Wojtyla's classic work is even more relevant today, but the language is often high and theoretical. Based on the new English translation of Love and Responsibility, Dr. Spinello's thoughtful commentary will enable you to discover the beauty of Saint John Paul II's timeless work, and through it, the magnificence of human relationships and our God-given need to give and receive love.
Understanding Medieval Liturgy: Essays in Interpretation
by Helen Gittos Sarah HamiltonThis book provides an introduction to current work and new directions in the study of medieval liturgy. It focuses primarily on so-called occasional rituals such as burial, church consecration, exorcism and excommunication rather than on the Mass and Office. Recent research on such rites challenges many established ideas, especially about the extent to which they differed from place to place and over time, and how the surviving evidence should be interpreted. These essays are designed to offer guidance about current thinking, especially for those who are new to the subject, want to know more about it, or wish to conduct research on liturgical topics. Bringing together scholars working in different disciplines (history, literature, architectural history, musicology and theology), time periods (from the ninth to the fifteenth centuries) and intellectual traditions, this collection demonstrates the great potential that liturgical evidence offers for understanding many aspects of the Middle Ages. It includes essays that discuss the practicalities of researching liturgical rituals; show through case studies the problems caused by over-reliance on modern editions; explore the range of sources for particular ceremonies and the sort of questions which can be asked of them; and go beyond the rites themselves to investigate how liturgy was practised and understood in the medieval period.
Understanding Middle Earth: Essays on Tolkien's Middle-Earth
by Michael MartinezMichael Martinez calls himself a populist commentator. He has long been an advocate for fans of science fiction honing his encyclopedic knowledge of all of the works of J. R. R. Tolkien with Tolkien special interest groups on the internet, arranging Tolkien programming at fan run science fiction and fantasy conventions and making live, sophisticated presentations to audiences world wide. His coverage of Tolkien Topics in this collection of 36 essays is so thorough that you will feel as if Martinez has left no stone on Middle-earth unturned. He explains how the first elves lost their innocence taking their first step on a long road, filled with loss and grief, toward sorrow. He describes what they lost on their 500 year journey across a frozen wasteland and how Melkor's lies transformed artists who celebrated beauty to avaricious, vengeful, murdering, hoarders. He outlines the long lives of some of our favorite Elves including Gil-galad, Glorfindel and Legolas. He explains how the roles of elves changed through the long ages. For example, Elrond evolved from a warrior to an innkeeper. Exuberant, benevolent yet powerful Tom Bombadil is beloved by most Tolkien readers. Martinez illustrates Bombadil's importance to The Lord of the Rings and makes a strong case that it is a mistake to underrate him or pass him over as nonessential to the plot. We learn that only a few elves were vegetarians and that limbas is much like our cornbread though the corn used by the elves was a special, magical variety. Most of Tolkien's evil characters paid dearly for their deviation from goodness. In one essay Martinez explains why unlike other villains, Frodo is forgiven for crumbling and claiming the ring as his own instead of casting it in to the fire. This long book answers many of your questions about Tolkien's writing and stimulates further thought and debate on Tolkien's complex fantasy. Whether you read it all or skip to the essays that interest you, time spent reading this fascinating, well grounded book will enrich your Tolkien experience. A list of accented words with a key identifying the specific accents is provided on pages III and IV.
Understanding Moral Obligation
by Robert SternIn many histories of modern ethics, Kant is supposed to have ushered in an anti-realist or constructivist turn by holding that unless we ourselves 'author' or lay down moral norms and values for ourselves, our autonomy as agents will be threatened. In this book, Robert Stern challenges the cogency of this 'argument from autonomy', and claims that Kant never subscribed to it. Rather, it is not value realism but the apparent obligatoriness of morality that really poses a challenge to our autonomy: how can this be accounted for without taking away our freedom? The debate the book focuses on therefore concerns whether this obligatoriness should be located in ourselves (Kant), in others (Hegel) or in God (Kierkegaard). Stern traces the historical dialectic that drove the development of these respective theories, and clearly and sympathetically considers their merits and disadvantages; he concludes by arguing that the choice between them remains open.
Understanding Muslim Chaplaincy (AHRC/ESRC Religion and Society Series)
by Sophie Gilliat-Ray Mansur AliUnderstanding Muslim Chaplaincy provides a lens through which to explore critical questions relating to contemporary religion in public life, and the institutionalisation of Islam in particular. Providing a rich description of the personnel, practice, and politics of contemporary Muslim chaplaincy, the authors consider the extent to which Muslim chaplaincy might be distinctive in Britain relative to the work of Muslim chaplains in the USA and other countries. This book will make a major contribution to international debate about the place of religion in public life and institutions. This book derives from research that has depended on exclusive access to a wide range of public institutions and personnel who largely work 'behind closed doors'. By making public the work of these chaplains and critically examining the impact of their work within and beyond their institutions, this book offers a groundbreaking study in the field of contemporary religion that will stimulate discussion for many years to come about Islam and Muslims in Western societies.