Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

a treasury
This is an excellent introduction to Syriac Christianity, containing gems of quotations from Saints Ephrem, Aphrahat, Evagrius, Isaac of Nineveh and others.The commentary is gentle reportage, which seeks to make these authors' work transparent to the reader.In this sense it is an introductory manual to the way of life taught by the Syriac saints.For me, this is a book I will periodically read again for the treasures it contains. ... Read more

Product Description
In this classic work, Wayne A. Meeks analyzes the earliest extant documents of Christianity—the letters of Paul—to describe the tensions and the texture of life of the first urban Christians. In a new introduction, he describes the evolution of the field of New Testament scholarship over the past twenty years, including new developments in fields such as archaeology and social history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Superior Analysis of Early Christianity. Read it now.
Meeks, Wayne A., The First Urban Christians, The Social World of the Apostle Paul (New Haven, Yale University Press, Second Edition, 2003)

We are concerned about reversing the decline in respect and attention given to the faith which sustained our parents, and we should be. If our witness to that faith no longer merits attention, there may be something wrong with our understanding and evangelism on behalf of that faith. One source of answers may be to return to the beginning to see how Christianity was so remarkably successful in its growth over the first century after its revelation. That is the subject of this book, written by one of the top two or three top Biblical scholars in English in the latter half of the 20th Century.

This is primarily a study in the social sciences, which uses the scriptures and other Christian writings as source documents to analyze the nature of the early Christian communities. By this kind of analysis, one can, to some extent, understand ancient eventsby seeing similarities in more recent developments. One may speculate, for example, that the rise of Russian communism may have been due to opportunities similar to those present in Imperial Rome. The irony is that both movements developed in arenas which were opposite to the milieu where each was born. Marxism was born in the industrial cities of Germany and England. Christianity was born and raised in a rural setting. But, to quote professor Meeks: `Paul was a city person. The city breathes through his language. Jesus' parables of sowers and weeds, sharecroppers, and mud-roofed cottages call forth smells of manure and earth, and the Aramaic of the Palestinian villages often echoes in the Greek. When Paul constructs a metaphor of olive trees or gardens, on the other hand, the Greek is fluent and evokes schoolroom more than farm.'

In 45 CE, Greek was the universal language of the Empire, especially to the east of the Italian peninsula. The Greeks had even colonized far to the west of Italy, in Spain and North Africa. Even educated inhabitants of Rome spoke Greek, and all the Roman gods were simply Greek gods with their names changed. By 45 CE, the largest body of Jews, Greek speakers, were living in Asia Minor, Egypt and North Africa, with small settlements in Greece, Macedonia, Thrace, Italy, and Spain. Their scripture was the Greek Septuagint, the `Bible' of the New Testament writers.

Overlaid on this Greek `substrate' was a Roman civil authority, which was far less antagonistic to Jews and Christians than Hollywood may make you believe. As Paul writes in Romans13:1--3 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except form God; and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God...For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Most Roman presence in the East was in cities they colonized with gifts to retired soldiers, given by Emperors, Augustus, Tiberius, and Claudius. Three of these cities, Corinth, Philippi, and Ephesus, also happened to be some of Paul's greatest missionary successes, and his frequent headquarters.

The backbone of ancient Middle Eastern society was the extended family, which included a large number of relatives, freedmen employees, and slaves. Within families and across family lines, things got done as a result of patronage and honor. Everyone was someone's patron or vassal, and usually patron to some and vassal to another. Even the empire itself was run as if it were a family business, with many key government and army positions being held by the famila caesaris.
From the Gospels, one gets the impression that most early Christians were from the lowest strata of society. In analyzing the figures in Paul's letters and in Acts, the author demonstrates that almost all named Christians come from the middle three-fifths of society. There are no `world leaders' until Constantine, but there are also no country slaves living at the poverty level. Many are wealthy or comfortable merchants or craftsmen, much like Paul himself. And, Paul usually converted families and not individuals, which suggests an historical error in Acts, which suggests Paul always went to the synagogues in new cities. His letters suggest his first congregation in a city was a `house church' in a family residence.

The importance of the family was one aspect which presented Paul with a fertile soil in which to plant. Another was the disparity between ones aspirations within the Roman society straining against the three level Roman class system of patricians, equestrians, and publicans. To achieve public office, you needed to be part of a patrician or equestrian family, and aside from being born into one, the only chance was marriage, and that didn't happen very often. As a result, there arose a tension between one's sense of ability and importance with the much lower social recognition of that importance. This gave rise to many different kinds of social and economic organizations where one could exercise one's talents. Since the state religion locked out those who were not members of a high social order, and since, generally, the Roman civil service didn't care about your religion, Paul and his fellow missionaries were able to start hundreds of small churches throughout the Greco-Roman world. These churches supplied everything we do today, plus much more, since the civil government did nothing to provide education, health services, or welfare to the poor. The great Roman genius was channeled exclusively into the army, civil engineering, and keeping the peace.

This book goes far to give us a sound understanding of what made Christianity an early success. Read it and be wise.

Slow, complex, cumbersome reading
I believe that Meeks has the right approach in writing a sociological analysis for the early Church organization and growth. He raises some good points about how blinding and narrow some religion-centered analyses can be. So a book with this intent is worth reading . However, the author's Dartmouth roots get in the way with his complex academic style. Reading this book is like walking through a literary swamp or perhaps deep, fresh powder snow. It's slow and exhausting with frequent stops for rest and regeneration. If you're a common person with a traditional education and average reading skills and experiences, then this book will frustrate you no end. At the same time it will open you up and broaden you to a new vocabulary, but one which you'll likely never use in everyday life. Keep the dictionary at your fingertips...a good, thick dictionary. You'll be using it like a person with a mid winter head cold would use a box of tissues. While Meeks' purpose is good, he loses that inertia with his wasted, Ivy League style. There must be other books like this one that speak everyday English. Choose those instead of this one.

Information Galore
Very up-to-date information, thoroughly discussed and analyzed.The book is laid out by subject, so it's easy to go back and find information.It is basically a complete description of the Roman World of Paul's time, right down to the tiniest detail that we have available.The only downside is the sheer density of it.But if you can muck your way through it, this book is simply groundbreaking in its analysis of the world that Christianity was born into.

Excellent!
I wouldn't write a sermon without it!Great insight to the world and social condition of the early Church.I find that it helps bring the then and there to the hear and now.

An Excellent Introduction to New Testament Sociology
Biblical scholar Wayne Meeks wrote the first edition of THE FIRST URBAN CHRISTIANS in the mid 1980's. He collected not only scriptural information, but also historical and sociological information to reconstruct the world of the earliest Christians. At the time it was considered to be groundbreaking research. Today this work is considered by many to the standard bearer of sociological studies concerning first century Christians.

Meeks studies the earliest Christian communities established by St. Paul. Meeks acknowledges that in the minds of most people, the first Christians were poorer peasant and agrarian people, but the reality is probably different. While the gospel may have been first preached in such settings, the faith started in urban areas and spread first from one city to another, then to the countryside. While Meeks does mention many of the early Christian leaders in his work, his primary focus is on the writings of St. Paul and the day to day life behind these writings, since historically these writings are the earliest Christian sources.

Topics in the book include the urban environment of Pauline Christianity, social life of the early Christian community, the formations of churches, conflicts, rituals, and how belief shaped the lives of the early Christians. The book also has an index to help with information on specific subjects and a scriptural reference index for people who need to use the book for a quick reference for study or preparation of preaching.

Meeks has a scholar's attention to detail and provides a great deal of information in this work. He also has the reader in mind. Knowing that the work will be read both by scholars, students, and those interested in a deeper knowledge of scripture, the work is informative and readable.

While the information in the book is no longer new, it is still current. Students and those wishing further study will find Meeks' copious notes as well as his bibliography helpful for further study. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Beginning Thoughts on The Only True God - Copernicum
During the first chapters of the book, McGrath lays out well his understanding of monotheism in ancient Judaism, which he continues to build upon in later chapters. It is here, as any good author does, that he plants seeds which is brought to fruition as he progresses. It is also here where he gets my attention with such motifs for monotheism as worship and creation.

McGrath approaches the subject with care, and almost apprehension, so as to not go too far too fast.He writes for the common reader, often explaining himself in more detail than perhaps he should - but this is to the reader's advantage. Further, from time to time he leads his readers back to previous explanations, reminding them before he proceeds.

I have two negatives, one of which is a matter of style more than anything. First, the book relies upon endnotes, and there are an abundance of them. I feel that this takes away from a good conversation when you have to constantly look at notecards in the back of the book. To be honest, I skipped the ends notes until I read the chapter, then went back and reread both.

The second negative is the constant dialogue with other authors. While some may find it pleasing to see McGrath dialogue with others on this subject - primarily Hurtado and Bauckham, it feels to me as if I am joining a trilogy on the last few pages of a book. While I do not dismiss the need for such dialogues, especially in this field, I feel that more attention should have been given to establishing arguments independent of other works, not based as a response to them (if this was possible).

The immediate positives, whether or not you agree with the author's overall premise - or his outcome - is that he doesn't distract the reader with side notes on the unreliability of the texts or the discussion of tensions between various early Christian communities. While I may disagree with his synopsis of Paul's monotheism to a large extent, and his synopsis of John's to a much lesser degree, he sees the two communities united in a singular monotheistic belief. Further positives include McGrath's refusal to attack modern, developed doctrines, but insists on a balanced survey of both the `roots' and the `blossoms.' The point of this book seems to be a presentation of a belief that Judaism and Christianity were united in their monotheistic believe for several centuries, not to undermine either the divinity of Christ of to present the Gospel message as wholly misunderstood.

In his chapter on Paul's monotheism, while I find his initial points wholly undigestible, I find that he ignores crucial passages in favor of others. Since this book is not an argument in favor of one position over another, but a presentation of a position, I can understand the author's use of certain passages over another, and his avoidance of translation issues.

In the fourth chapter which is coincidently about the Fourth Gospel, the author presents an excellent view of John's intent - at least according to the author. I remember reading once, that John was the most Jewish Gospel of them all, and indeed, McGrath highlights the `Jewishness' of it in such a way as to make me understand the rabbi more. In this chapter the author tackles the Prologue (including an extensive look at the textual variant in John 1.18), equality with God, the `I AM' passages, and Thomas' confession. It is this chapter which is I believe is the cross section with McGrath's hypostasis and what we may accept as something similar to orthodox Christianity. The author sees John's Jesus as something more than the exalted agent of Paul's monotheism, but as the embodiment of the Name of God (p63). The author does a fair treatment of Philo's use of Logos and connects it to John's (although I would contend for a different origin of Logos).

The final chapter of the book is an excellent response to Segal's work on the Two Powers Heresy in ancient Judaism. In this chapter co-written with Dr. Jerry Truex, McGrath dialogues with Alan Segal's theory on the Two Powers Heresy in early Rabbinic Judaism. Segal interprets this theory as a `principal angelic or hypostatic manifestation in heaven was equivalent to God.' (p124, n1). Segal's point, I believe, is that he feels Christianity developed from this hypothetical heresy supposedly found in 1st century Judaism, or at the very list, Segal believes that the two powers heresy found in later Jewish sources refer to the burgeoning Christian movement.

In this chapter, McGrath sufficiently answers - from what I could find in the endnotes and other responses from various sources to Segal - Segal's theories, especially the redating of such theories. He notes the 'shortcomings' in the theory which forgets redaction time in the Mishnah and Tosefta. The author does well in making the point that it is possible that either this heresy didn't exist in the 1st century Judaism (which would prevent Judaism and Christianity from separating over it) or that it simply was not considered a heresy (which would prevent Judaism and Christianity from separating over it).

In answering the dating and general thoughts by Segal, McGrath also begins to answers the questions regarding the separation of Judaism and Christianity. A theory (p92) is developed by McGrath which relates that the separation, in part, came from a need to redefine Monotheism in light of the end of sacrificial worship. While previous generations of Judaism allowed for divine agency, after the destruction of the Temple, a line had to be drawn which focused worship only on God, removing any allowances for worship of a secondary individual. It came down to creation - the lines began to be drawn. While it was not the notion of a divine agent being worshiped which first separated Judaism and Christian, as sacrificial worship ended, and monotheism was seemingly redefined, the idea of worshipping Christ as God became a severe separator.

McGrath's conclusion leaves nothing to be desired except a follow-up exploring the cross section of theology and history. While I do not think that he puts forth in his conclusion any new ideas, he attempts to safeguard theology produced by centuries of speculation. He draws the point out that both Judaism and Christianity faced some of the same issues from the very start - drawing lines around monotheism in a changing world. While I may not agree fully with the doctrines that he is trying to defend, he does allow that certain seeds in the New Testament does allow for a unity of the Son with the Father, as expressed by later Church Tradition.

This book is small, readable, and copernicum.

The author of the book is James F. McGrath an associate professor of religion at Butler Universty and the author of John's Apologetic Christology: Legitimation and Development in Johannine Christology and The Burial of Jesus: History and Faith. He also maintains a biblioblog, Exploring our Matrix. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

So much to learn about our past...
This summer I read Church History ABCsThe Church History ABCs: Augustine and 25 Other Heroes of the Faith by Stephen J. Nichols and Ned Bustard.Reading that book made me realize how little I understood about church history and how much I really did want to know and understand.So often names come up in conversations with my husband that I know who they are, but can't seem to keep straight.So, I started looking for a book to help me fill in the blanks.

In college, I took a class called the History of Christianity.It was absolutely boring and the textbook was dry.That's why I thought the history of the church wasn't something I wanted to know anything more about. But, my mind has changed about that.

This summer I started reading another book by Stephen J. Nichols titled Pages From Church History.The book starts with an introduction about why we should care about history.I love this quote on page 13-14 "Without meaningful connections to the past, the soul does not grow deep, but constricts, growing more and more shallow.As many have observed, our age tends to be consumed with the present, the new, and even the future...There also lurks, however, a downside, as this tendency can lead to a certain ahistoricism, a sentiment that tells us the past is of little relevance and may be handily brushed aside." On page 14-15 Nichols then goes on to write, "Studying the past offers meaningful connections with our legacy.We are enriched through our study of the past, simultaneously humbled by testimonies of courage and emboldened by reflections of God's grace and faithfulness..Church history not only inspires, it also instructs."

There is a verse that often comes to mind when people claim to be original and that the past doesn't matter.
Ecclesiastes 1:9 NIV What has been will be again,what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.
It was humbling to read what people in the history of the church did with their lives and who they were.We are to learn from the past for so many reasons.But, as Nichols expresses in his book--we would do well not to forget those who have come before us.

From the introduction, Nichols begins the first chapter with a brief look at church history.Though brief, it is packed full of information and food for thought.After the first chapter, there are twelve chapters about different figures that are significant in the history of the church.Some of them I knew and others I didn't.But, even if I knew the name of the person, I learned as I read the chapters how much I truly didn't understand about that person and their place in history.

One of the reasons I felt the need to really understand church history is that I have been struck this year how the history of the world is taught absent God.The deist perspective is that God created the world and then simply checked out.Man was left to his own devices.Even if people don't believe in the big bang, evolution is so prevalent that the default many people come to believe, I think, is that of the deist perspective.I want to understand church history so that I can integrate it with what I teach my children through the years about history.I want them to understand and have a humble perspective of who they are, but recognize that God created them and that they have a place in the big picture--a place that God has planned for them.

I leave this book in my car and read a few pages at a time and discuss them with my husband.It is very meaty and has so many details in it.It is a book that my husband could sit down and easily read straight through.But, my concentration isn't quite as strong right now amidst the craziness of my life with 3 kids and homeschooling.Still, I am able to pick it up and truly enjoy a few pages at a time.I learn something every time I read this book.I am beginning to understand the Catholic church more than I ever have before as I learn where the roots of their traditions and beliefs come from.

If you find yourself looking for a wonderful, interesting, and engaging book about church history, I would highly recommend this book to any adult.It would be great also for a high schooler who is being homeschooled.You'd definitely want to discuss it and read it together, but this book is very easy to understand.

Please note that I was given a complimentary copy of this book from P&R Publishing for review.

The Book to Buy
I am finishing my fist degree in Theology and have found this book the be detailed as well as inspirational. Its a great story of the development and movement of theology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A fine read!
Dr. Schonfield has been the recipient of much undeserved flak from those who missed the point of his prior work, The Passover Plot. This volume is more interested in true historical information, detailing the progression of thought in the early Christian church and encouraging the reader to muse for themselves as Schonfield demonstrates the evidence. Might be scary reading for those who want to think Martin Luther and Jesus are the same figure, but that audience doesn't make much habit of reading anything beyond "inspirational"/"Aesop's Fables" works anyhow.

The incredible Dr Schonfield
The follow up to Dr Hugh J Schonfield's controversial bestseller "The Passover plot" does not dissapoint. In fact Schonfield's case is much stronger this time, where the passover plot was largely on informed speculation, we are working with comparitive concrete this time.
In "Those incredible Christians" Schonfield explores the "grey area" in time between the Fall of Jersualem and the spread of Orthodoxy in the third and fourth centuries.

The first three Chapters are somewhat painful, and Schonfield provides what he admits is a "strange introduction" into the rise and rise of Christianity.
Generally speaking Schonfield presumes his audience is well read, often providing a blanket statement that those familiar with critical New Testament scholarship would readily accept, but the average neophyte Christian reader would blink at in untold horror.

Where Schonfield treads bold new ground is in the enlightening treatise on "the Christology of Paul". Schonfield alone seems to understand that in Paul's cosmology Jesus is not God, rather he is GOD's FIRST PERFECT CREATION. Furthermore, he is man in his original unadulterated spiritual state.

How did orthodox Christianity end up so confused? This is detailed in the Chapter "The man called John" where new light is shed on the mysterious author of the fourth Gospel.
While I agree with Schonfield's hypothesis for the most part, my own interpretation is that

1) John Son of Zebedee is simply a red herring, he was executed before the fall of Jerusalem and could not have written the classic Greek of the fourth Gospel
2) John the Presbyter/Elder was the last surviving authorative figure who had seen Jesus in the flesh (see Papias) I also tentatively agreee with Catholic tradition the the Presbyter was the author of Revelation
3) The author of the Gospel of John was a "third John". With my tongue firmly in cheek I refer to this person as "John the redactor". This is the young idealistic Greek Schonfield is looking for as the author. Likely "John the redactor" gained the testimony of "John the Elder" or spoke to someone who had heard him teach, which equipped his own Hellenistic Christianity with an actual firsthand tradition, the perfect blend of historical fact and Greek mystical dogma.

Some 30 years after the death of Paul, itwas the Johanine tradition that gave Paul's Christology a good dose of Asian Hellenism incorporating the Logos and Gnostic themes, and as Schonfield so aptly notes, other then Paul "John" has provided the greatest influence on the modern Church.

If you can stick with Dr Schonfield past his extended "introduction", the book becomes a real page turner by Chapter Four.

An interesting side issue is Schonfield's explanation of the meaning of 666 or 616 in some early manuscripts)tracing it to the value inscribed on coins of Emperor Domitian. (Domitian also placed an imperial Mark on the hand or forehead for trade)
All in all, "Those incredible Christians" is a highly recommended introduction to critical New Testament scholarship

Stephenhanes@yahoo.com ... Read more

Product Description
Is the reform we have seen in the wake of the pedophilia scandals in the Catholic Church meaningful? Have our conversations about the causes of these scandals delved as deeply as they need to? For those questioning the relations between hierarchical power, secrecy, and sexuality in institutional religion, Mark D. Jordan"s eloquent meditations on what truths about sexuality need to be told in church—and the difficulty of telling any truths—will be a balm and a revelation.

"Sure to be controversial . . . [Telling Truths in Church] is about how church people speak about sex in the church; it is about what it means to tell the truth, and how to go about the vulnerable act of truth-telling when your topic is something as intimate as sex." —Lauren F. Winner, Washington Post Book World

"This is a major contribution to the telling of truth and truths. Jordan"s analysis lays bare the fear and anxiety behind the silence and spins of church authorities; it is a profound and provocative book." —Donald Cozzens, author of Sacred Silence: Denial and the Crisis in the Church and The Changing Face of the Priesthood. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Vital Importance of "Telling Truths"
To those who have not yet read it, Mark D. Jordan's "Telling Truths in Church" may seem like a reaction to (or even an exploitation of) the Catholic Church scandals revolving around priestly abuse and its cover-up. But in fact, Jordan's slim but crucially important volume is actually the transcript of a series of essays that were prepared before the scandals started to hit the media.

This is not to state, however, that the scandals have nothing to do with the topics Jordan addresses. It is Jordan's contention that speech in the Christian churches (and Jordan refers not only to the Catholic Church but to other Christian churches) has become narrowed and self-censored in such a way that it has seriously compromised the Churches' ability to speak truthfully about people's lives and faith experiences.

In a series of essays, Jordan discusses several topics: Church reform, Christian marriage, the practice of theology, and Jesus Christ as a fully human and sexual being. Jordan asserts that the Churches fail in speaking truthfully about these topics, and also that the Churches try to silence or discourage additional points of view that speak to the range of human experiences not addressed in "official" speech. To put it more simply, current Church talk doesn't give us the whole story, and it's up to us as people of faith to speak up and fill in the missing pieces.

Jordan's book is full of insights and observations that make it ideal for public discussion or private, prayerful reflection. The book is particularly important in an age when the task of theology is often misunderstood: some Church authorities, with the current emphasis on "obedience," feel theologians should supply believers with authoritative propositions to be memorized, rather than questions to help guide our reflection on God's mystery.As Jordan states in the concluding essay, "obedience [should] mean not that you take as true whatever you are told, but that you commit yourself to consider carefully what is said to you." In other words, the lived practice of theology--the process of "telling truths"--becomes a loving task for all believers, not just for leaders who think they have all the answers! ... Read more

Product Description
This companion to History of the World Christian Movement explores how varied and multi-cultural Christian origins and history really are. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great companion book
I was assigned Readings in World Christian History as textbook for a class at the Perkins School of Theology.The book is a compilation of historical documents, preceded by short introductions that place the documents in context and tell why they are important.

If you are reading this, you are probably interested in church history.If you really want to get into the subject, you will need this book or another one like it.

Excellent companion
This book is a marvellous companion for Dr. Irvin's "World Christian Movement" treatise. ... Read more

Product Description
The theme is the continuity and discontinuity between early Christianity and its Jewish parent. The formation of Christian thought is currently the focus of much debate. These essays cover the historical and social context of Palestine and the Diaspora; the New Testament canon and noncanonical writings; and central themes. The concise treatments, with bibliographies, of intensely topical questions by international experts will be of interest and value to teachers and undergraduate students of the New Testament and Christian origins. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Very Excited to get this Book!
This book contains a wealth of knowledge and I am only beginning it. It was hard to come by but i got the revised edition and am so glad. Contains lots of footnotes and references and i plan to take my time absorbing all its information.

Excellent Contribution to Charisma and Christian Initiation
McDonnell, an historical and constructive theologian, and Montague, a scripture scholar, collaborate in this investigation of Christian initiation and the question of spirit baptism in the first eight centuries.Originally published in 1991 (make sure you get the 1994 revision if you buy from a Marketplace Seller), this expanded edition supplements Montague's analysis of biblical texts in Q, Mark, Matthew, Luke-Acts, the Pauline Tradition and Hebrews, and John with First Peter (interestingly treated as "The Witness of Rome").

McDonnell's treatment of early post-biblical witnesses in Tertullian, Hilary of Poiters, Cyril of Jerusalem, the Apostolic Constitutions, John Chrysostom, and Philoxenus is similarly expanded to include material from Origen. The conclusion of both writers is that the contemporary conception of the "baptism in the Holy Spirit," accompanied with dramatic manifestations such as glossolalia and prophesy, was integral to the earliest Christian conception of conversion and initiation. Despite variations in local practice (divergence with regard to the "laying on of hands" and "anointing(s)," for example) a common experience of experiential-affective reception of the spirit with accompanying charismatic phenomena was the common and universal expectation of the apostolic and early Christian churches.

Beginning with John Chrysostom, however, the authors detect a decline in expectation of these manifestations. This declension is speculatively attributed to anti-Montanist ideology on one hand and increased centralization of ecclesiastical power following the Council of Nicea.

Originating in the 1900s and developed during the 1960s and 1970s, Pentecostal and Charismatic movements have had a profound impact on the spiritual and liturgical life of contemporary Christian churches worldwide.Both authors write from a Roman Catholic charismatic perspective and aim to contribute from that viewpoint to the discussion already underway among Protestants.McDonnell's treatment of the catechetical and liturgical appropriation of the New Testament in the post-apostolicperiod (significantly, gospel witnesses to Jesus' baptism in the Jordan) makes this a significant contribution to the topic at hand. If catechumens really did "approach the font speaking in tongues and prophesying" the institutional experience would be exceedingly different than would otherwise be the case.

One should note, however, the mixed reception of the book scholarly circles. (Cf. Paul Turner, "Forum: Christian Initiation and Baptism in the Holy Spirit" Worship 70[5] (1996): 446-52.) Turner argues that for all the impressive citation and cataloguing of sources, three major problems afflict the work: 1) the sources often do not describe the charismatic manifestations that Montague and McDonnell claim for them; 2) ritual/ liturgical texts from the same period (on which the text is basically silent) do not detail the bestowal of charismata; and 3) the theology of initiation itself does not demand them.

McDonnell and Montague do offer a wounded rejoinder: "Forum: A Response to Paul Turner on Conversion Initiation and Baptism in the Holy Spirit" Worship71[1] (1997): 51-62. They argue that Turner has misrepresented work as staking a claim for the unbroken commonality and universality of charismatic manifestation as a feature of biblical and post-apostolic Christians.On the contrary, they concede that "...any graduate student in liturgy and early church history learns in the first months of class that you cannot make universal generalizations on the basis of particular texts. We have never claimed that the imparting of charisms at baptism was the universal expectation." (54)

Rather, they are concerned to demonstrate "a broad pattern of expecting the charisms at baptism, the pattern existing in Latin, Greek, and Syriac cultures, expressed in a diversity of languages, geographical areas, ecclesiastical traditions, and historical periods." (57) McDonnell and Montague conclude by arguing that theirs is not the last word on the subject and invite further research.

Warmly recommended book overall.

Invaluable for Protestants and Catholics Alike
In this excellent book, Kilian McDonnell and George Montague, both Roman Catholic priests and well-respected scholars, have addressed critical questions regarding the role of Baptism in the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts in the life of the Church, particularly with respect to the celebration of baptism and confirmation.In doing so, the authors have provided an important contribution to the question of when spiritual gifts -- or at least the more notable gifts such as glossolalia (tongues) and prophecy -- passed out of the common experience of the local church.I was fascinated by the role played by those preparing catechumens for reception into the church in this story.Upon reading this text, one wonders which is the chicken and which is the egg:did the charismatic gifts die out because new christians were taught not to expect them, or did those preparing catechumens simply state the obvious truth that charismatic gifts were no longer being experienced in the church?Given the 20th experience of Pentecost in the Pentecostal/charismatic churches and in the mainline denominations, the answer to this questions is probably "yes" and "yes" -- that the charismatic gifts were less evident, but that the expectations resulting from formative teaching contributed to the demise of such phenomena in the church. At the very least, this book provides contributes to the body of historical evidence that the experience of baptism in the Holy Spirit, as evidenced by such gifts as tongues and prophecy, did not die out with the close of the New Testament canon, as is taught by some protestant churches.This book would be a welcome addition to the bookshelf of those interested in the history of the church, liturgy, or the role of spiritual gifts in the life of the church.

The Best Theology Book on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit!
As a Catholic charismatic who has taken a graduate degree in Theology,I can't help but wonder how we could explain the popular but most misunderstood charismatic phrase "baptism in the Holy Spirit" interms of biblical exegesis and relating it to Catholic liturgy. Thistheology book has given me a deeper understanding of the biblical evidenceof the "baptism in the Holy Spirit" and its widespreadintegration to the sacraments of initiation in the Early Church. This bookis for every Catholic Charismatic who hungers for a deeper understanding ofcharisms or gifts of the Spirit in the life of the Church. I would like topersonally thank the author-scholars for answering my deepest searching formeaning in my renewed life as a Catholic Charismatic!The book istheological in scope, scholar-based research but readable format forCatholics who have a deeper appreciation and knowledge of the Faith. Thisbook gave profound meaning to my faith and deepened my convictions on themovement of the Spirit in the Church! This book is a class of its own! ... Read more

Product Description

The Complete Guide to American Denominations and Christian Organizations. Nelson's Guide to Denominations provides essential data on 800+ Protestant and Catholic churches operating in the United States and Canada, plus ecumenical and cooperative associations and parachurch organizations. Every entry reports the name of the group, a brief history, key leaders or a contact person, address, email and/or website, membership stats, unique features, world mission affiliates, and sidebars on special ministry initiatives. The guide also includes a section on trends and prospects for the church in North America and a symposium on the Bible in America.

Customer Reviews (2)

too long
The book opens with topics like gender reform and evangelical feminism and approaching scripture as an African woman minister and scholar. Are these topics relevant to a list and descriptions of denominations?

Not as expected.
This book contains a lot more lists than I realized.I expected more information about the denominations. Would like to have been able to preview. ... Read more

Product Description
An informative look at leadership roles in the first-century church.

This volume explores the nature of leadership roles and positions in the Christian communities of the early church. Drawing from ancient source material as well as from the New Testament, Andrew Clarke describes the theories and practices of organization and leadership in key areas of first-century Graeco-Roman society--the city, the colony, associations, Jewish synagogues, the family--and discusses the extent to which these models influenced the first Christians in defining their own communities.

Providing a fascinating look at the social and historical background of the New Testament, this volume is also important for focusing on a theme that has implications for the organization of church life in our own time. ... Read more

Product Description
American writer, educator, theologian, and feminist pioneer EMMA CURTIS HOPKINS (1849-1925) may well be the most important woman in the history of religion in the United States. Influenced by Mary Baker Eddy and her "Christian Science," Hopkins developed the more metaphysical philosophy of New Thought, an early "New Age" outlook that encouraged its adherents to tap the latent powers of their potent minds. Known as "the teacher of teachers," Hopkins inspired her students, many of whom went on to become influential leaders of the New Thought movement, to give full expression to their creative genius.In this 1888 book, considered by many her masterpiece, Hopkins explores the wisdom of Jesus Christ from twelve different perspectives, all of which demonstrate, in their own unique ways, how we all hold within us the mystical energy to transform ourselves, our lives, and the world itself for the better, and to fill our hearts with the joy of the infinite.ALSO AVAILABLE FROM COSIMO: Hopkins' High Mysticism ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Scientific Christian Mental Practices
I have been a student of this book since 1987 and have found it to be one of the most valuable spiritual books I've even come across.I use this book daily and continue to learn from it.This is a must read for someone looking for lessons in practical Christianity.I give high praise to this book.There are many reasons it's been available to the public since 1890ish.

One of the most informative books I have read
I have been a student of Mind Sciences/metaphysics for nearly a decade now. I have always loved the works of Emmet Fox, Ernest Holmes, Joseph Murphy and the like. But then, I ordered this book on Kindle and discovered Emma Curtis Hopkins. This book is so rich in content that I have made a study of it, taking notes as I go. I think the thing I like most here is that Ms. Hopkins takes us back to the basics on new thought teaching, but also breaks everything down into an easy to understand format. She doesn't leave any guess work to the reader as to how to actually apply new thought teachings or healing practices. It's all laid out in plain language and explained in detail to the reader. The time I have spent with this book has brought my understanding and love of Mind Sciences to a new level.. It has also helped me reach new heights in my own healing work as I study to become a practitioner.. This is great stuff. Anyone interested in learning about Mind Sciences should read this book. It should be mandatory reading for any metaphysician.

Great insights
Wonderful information but pretty heavy reading. I found it difficult to grasp some of the information.
She was clearly a woman before her time.

Excellent read, informative
I recommended this book to my daughter.This book was very informative in instructional practices of scientific prayer, manifestations.When I thought about the experiences in my life, I realized that I had used some form of scientific mental practices to create what has happened in my life.It does not violate any religious practices, rather enhances and aligns one to the promises made by any religion.

Prefer Ernest Holmes
Not for me, contains more religious undertones and supplication mindset than I care for, however she was one of the few on the forefront of the New Thought movement.I read it once and haven't picked it up since.I prefer Enrest Holmes books, which I read over and over. ... Read more

Product Description
This wise and eloquent book describes the formative years of Christianity when Christian beliefs and practices shaped their unique moral order. Wayne Meeks illuminates the process of socialization that produced the early forms of Christian morality, showing what is distinctive about the Christian viewpoint and what is similar to the moral components of Greco-Roman or Jewish thought. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Origins of Christian Morality
A professor of biblical studies at Yale University, Wayne A. Meeks,published The Origins of Christian Morality:The First Two Centuries (New Haven:Yale University Press, c. 1993).Disavowing the possibility of discerning answers to specific questions regarding issues such as abortion, war, or sexual behavior, Meeks seeks to discover what Peter Brown calls "the ecology of moral notions," a kind of collective climate which shaped the ethos and ethics of primitive Christians.
While many of us have thought the Early Church mainly focused on doctrine, as formulated by Councils in Creeds, Meeks says the thing that distinguished Christians in the ancient world was their morality.Many of us, naively reading documents such as St Clement of Rome's Letter to the Corinthians or the epistles of St Ignatius of Antioch, have thought the Early Church was uniquely attuned to the Risen Lord Jesus giving eternal life to His followers through Baptism and Eucharist.Many of us, taking at face value admonitions in second century documents such as the Didache, the Shepherd of Hermas, and Tertullian's works, have imagined those ancient believers, as a consequence of coming to know Christ Jesus in His saving, sanctifying power, followed a moral code which was quite specific concerning such items as abortion and divorce. But if Meeks is right, apparently we've been wrong!
To understand his conclusions it's important to note his methodology.To do this, it's instructive to follow his reading of Aristides, an Athenian who was one of the earliest apologists.By way of defending the faith, Meeks says Aristides wrote "an apology in the form of comparative ethnography--capitalizing on the fad for comparing customs and religions that was prominent in the age of Hadrian--and he has made morality the centerpiece of his idealized description" (p. 9).
Consulting Aristides' Apology, however, I discover that only one-nineteenth of the treatise is devoted to morality!Much attention is given to refuting polytheism, pointing out the reasonableness of monotheism.Aristides strongly asserts his faith in Christ, giving a creedal-style affirmation concerning His divine nature.Certainly he does, in short slice of his treatise, point to the Christians' high moral standards as a validation for the faith. It is, however, less than self-evident that Aristides "made morality the centerpiece of his idealized description."Endeavoring to prove his case, Meeks also notes the "kinship language---calling one another 'brother,' 'sister,' 'parent,' 'child,' a practice to which Aristides alludes--pictures the displacement of the natural family by new relationships and obligations" (p. 12).(That conclusion would have astounded the Nazarenes I knew as a youth, for we all called one another "brother" and "sister" without in the least imagining that displaced our natural families!In fact, I cannot imagine anything more factually flawed than such a judgment!)
I stress Meeks' use of Aristides simply to show how he constructs a questionable case, both in his selective use of evidence and his understanding of religious communities.However, as long as one reads with reservations, aware of the thesis Meeks seeks to develop, much may be learned from this text.Suitably forewarned, let's consider his case.He focuses on the moral implications of conversion.Baptism symbolized the cleansing from moral filth and the emergence of a new creature attuned to a higher ethic.Believers were frequently reminded of their obligation to be true to their baptismal vows.This meant they lived in a world they both loved and hated, seeking to embrace it as God's creation while drawing apart from its evils.They talked much of virtues and vices, using the "language of obligation."Such virtues and vices sound much like those celebrated by non-Christian philosophers, yet the Christians seemed to think their way of life superior.This puzzles Meeks, so he declares "what made the difference must have been principally the context" (p. 84),their "context," their concern for God, Christ, and Scripture.To live a life worthy of God, to do His will, certainly dominated much Christian discourse.According to Plutarch, Plato insisted "that God . . . offers himself to all as a pattern of every excellence, thus rendering human virtue, which is in some sort an assimilation to himself, accessible to all who can 'follow God'" (p. 150).Wher¬eas not many pagans could testify to such "assimilation," Christians declared they could, through Christ, know God and do His will.
In his final chapter, Meeks makes proposals for modern Christians.He sets forth seven theses.First, "Making morals and making community are one, dialectical process" (p. 213).Moral convictions emerge from communal life, not inherited rules or rational reflection.This is, clearly, Meeks' view, but I do not find it validated in the greatest of the Church Fathers who took injunctions in the Ten Commandments and Sermon on the Mount as timeless truths to follow. Second, "A Christian community must be grounded in the past" (p. 214).Unlike Marcion, early Christians found Hebrew scriptures and tradition extremely helpful in casting moral codes.Third, "The church's rootage in Israel is a privileged dimension of its past" (p. 214).The limits of Judaism were expanded and transformed by early Christians.
Fourth, "Faithfulness ought not be confused with nostalgia" (p. 215).This explains Meeks' view that we cannot construct a New Testament ethic, that answers to questions such as abortion whichsufficed in earlier eras cannot be repeated in ours.What seems problematic to me, however, is the notion that firm principles, convictions concerning right and wrong behavior, are nostalgic rather than normative. Fifth, "Christian ethics mast be polyphonic" (p. 216).Even in ethics, diversity must be respected and celebrated!To one who knows how intensely the Early Church contended for unity, demanding consensus concerning faith and morals, Meeks' celebration of "polyphony" smacks more of modernity's infatuation with "pluralism" than historical truth.
Sixth, "Moral confidence, not moral certainty, is what we require" (p. 217).Do what seems right, knowing it may be wrong!Seventh, "God tends to surprise" (p. 218).The "faithful hermeneutic of the Pauline kind," Meeks thinks, encourages us to cheerfully engage in "the process of inventing Christian--and human--morality" (p. 219).Again, Meeks manages to outfit a "Christian" attire in modern clothing, put together a "Christian" attire which looks quite modern, but I find little evidence that such relativism permeated the Early Church.
Meeks clearly shares some of the teleological views of Alasdair MacIntyre, one of the most influential contemporary ethicists, who argues (in works such as After Virtue) that moral convictions emerge in communities, enabling them to function smoothly, and slowly change with changing conditions.Those of us who advocate more of a natural law or divine law approach find MacIntyre (and thus Meeks) at times too relativistic and situational.

Why do we do what we do?
Wayne Meeks presented a brilliant work on the development of the earliest Christian communities during the apostolic and post-apostolic period, as Christianity took root in the ancient city setting of the Roman Empire, in his work `The First Urban Christians' (my review will be coming soon!). In this, the follow-up volume, `The Origins of Christian Morality' explores the deepening development of community and identity of these early Christians as they worked to remain a faithful remnant in a sometimes-hostile world. Meeks is the Woolsey Professor of Biblical Studies at Yale University, with a great deal of scholarly experience that he brings to the questions of the origins of Christian morality.

In this book, Meeks has presented `an ecology of moral notions'. This is not a guidebook to state in unambiguous terms questions of present-day moral questions. For reasons explained early, Meeks avoids that kind of question because the question can usually be framed by parameters that pre-suppose the answer.

Also, Meeks avoids the term `New Testament ethics' for some particular reasons. Firstly, the early church did not have a New Testament -- the collection of writings we have come to accept as the New Testament had not been collected and recognised as a single body of writings during the first, second and third centuries after the time of Christ, the time during which Christian views of morality were being formed.

Morality is also discussed, rather than ethics, because ethics tends to be a second-order reflection on morality. This is not what was occurring generally or primarily at this time.

In a unique feature, Meeks gives a brief summary, an almost Cliff-notes-lite, of each of the chapters in his Introduction. He traces his development chapter by chapter, highlighting each main point and its connection to the overall theme of the origins of Christian morality as well as the progression through sociology, politics, philosophy, and theology. Meeks admits to being less than systematic in approach, yet this is reflective of the subject. Christian morality did not evolve in a coherent and orderly fashion. It continues to be polyphonic to this day, with varying degrees of acceptance and intolerance by individuals and communities in the name of a 'purer' morality.

`Obviously there can be no community and no tradition if everything is permitted ('All things are lawful, but not all things build up'), and therefore there can be no community without some degree of coercion. Yet unity coerced is unstable ('For why is my freedom judged by a conscience not mine?')'

Unlike today, early Christianity was primarily a religion of converts. Today, most Christians of most denominations are born into the community of people and of thought. This was untrue in the time of the apostles, and continued to be untrue for several hundred years, even after Christianity became the religion of the establishment. Conversion was usually a social act, something done in public, and something that would have public consequences.

How the public Christian world-view intersects and coincides with the outside (some might say, secular) world has always been a problem, from these earliest times to the present (Augustine works with the idea, but only briefly, in his massive description of the City of God centuries after the period Meeks, investigates; H. Richard Niebuhr was still wrestling with the problem in the twentieth century).

There is a tendency to continue ancient heresies today without realising they are such. In his chapter `Loving and Hating the World', Meeks investigates some of the gnostic divisions (the material world is evil inherently, once declared a heresy but which continues to pop up in practical theology of various Catholic and Protestant thinkers). In the following chapter, `The Language of Obligation', Meeks presents lists of vices and virtues, commands, actions, and the way in which these concepts are dealt with, in the attribution of authority (or lack thereof) and the desirability/requirement of deliberate practice. Meeks states that no list is present as exhaustive in the positive or the negative -- even the sum total leaves important things out on both listing of virtue and vice. There is no definitive list for all early Christians. This made formulating a way of discovering right belief and practice all the more important.

In the chapter `History, Pluralism and Morality', Meeks outlines particular theses toward understanding the original concepts of Christian morality:

Thesis 1 -- Making morals and making community are one, dialectical process.
Thesis 2 -- A Christian moral community must be grounded in the past
Thesis 3 -- The church's rootage in Israel is a privileged dimension of its past.
Thesis 4 -- Faithfulness ought not be confused with nostalgia.
Thesis 5 -- Christian ethics must be polyphonic.
Thesis 6 -- Moral confidence, not moral certainty, is what we require.
Thesis 7 -- God tends to surprise.

There is no definitive ending to this book -- just as Christian belief and practice has continued to evolve, so to is it impossible to come to a definitive statement about all-encompassing Christian normative standards at any given point even near the beginnings of the religion, and particularly before the canon of the scriptures have been determined.

Perhaps Meeks' Theses 6 and 7 are the most important for us today. The determination of moral confidence with the understanding that God continues to act in our lives and in our world can both reassure and comfort us in the knowledge of God's love and protection, as well as the recognition that in a world in which people have been given freedom of action, God's own freedom can occasionally (or perhaps even frequently) surprise us.

Feels like a book on mystery religion, not morality
I read this cover to cover a few months ago.It felt like a highly interesting book about the Christian mystery-religion, rather than a study of morality.Don't pass this book by thinking it's about the narrow topic of morality.I'm only somewhat interested in the topic of the origins of Christian morality, but I didn't feel like this book was about morality.

Meeks' style of approach is not at all devotional, but rather, is an engaging and straightforward type of scholarship portraying the early mystic form of Christianity including social aspects. ... Read more

Product Description
Lutheran churches in the United States have included multiple ethnic cultures since the colonial era and continue to wrestle with increasing internal variety as one component of their identity. By combining the concerns of social history with an awareness for theological themes, this volume explores the history of this family of Lutheran churches and traces the development from the colonial era through the formation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 1988. An introduction details the origins of Lutheranism in the European Reformation and the practices significant to the group's life in the United States. Organized chronologically, subsequent chapters follow the churches' maturation as they form institutions, provide themselves with leaders, and expand their membership and geographic range. Attention is given throughout to the contributions of the laity and women within the context of the Lutherans' continued individual and corporate effort to be both authentically Lutheran and genuinely American. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

An excellent examination of art from a Christian perspective that will delight and challenge you
This book is essentially a piecing together of GK Chesterton's writings on art. Peters pulls together a fascinating series of concepts from Chesterton about the nature of art and art criticism.

Chesterton is famous for turning concepts on their heads and helping you see things in a fresh and more generous light. He has a way of expanding your world and encouraging you to shed cynicism and modern paralysis.

I read this book with a group of friends over a number of weeks and we had a tremendously good time. It was a true conversation starter. I'd also recommend it for Christian college courses where the discussion of the Christian's role in the arts is in play. It will get people thinking... and talking.

The Topsy Turvy Giant
Any fan of G.K. Chesterton would enjoy Peters' synopsis of the Topsy Turvy Giant's thoughts on the arts.Peters provides an excellent synopsis of the subject.His most admirable quality in writing this book is allowing Chesterton to speak for himself.

Peters hit the nail on the head in summarizing Chesterton's opinion of art and how it uniquely qualifies man as children of God.Chesterton argued that the arts show the difference between men and animals to be qualitative and not quantative.A man does not paint more than a monkey!He paints!

Peters accurately states that "in Chesterton's view, the arts are the very essence of humanity, the very thing that differentiates the human from the nonhuman, in that sense the very breath of life from God."

If you have never read Chesterton before, I recommend that you start with Orthodoxy, Everlasting Man or Heretics.Once you get one or more of these under your belt you will not only understand what Peters is getting at, but you will also have a greater desire to find out just what Chersterton had to say on the subject, why it is important to man, and what significance it has for the Christian.

To that end, I recommend this as your second or third Chesterton book.Happy reading!

An excellent overview of GKC on the arts
Thomas Peters does an excellent job of presenting G.K. Chesterton's thoughts and observations on imagination and the arts. This book is a wonderful and much needed antidote to today's cultural climate, in whichthe arts establishment seems to value ugliness and outrageousness aboveall. Here are a few of GKC's countercultural opinions: Fashionable nihilismand pessimism are among the greatest threats to the free and fruitfulimagination; humility and wonder enhance creativity, while pride inhibitsit; good poetry has rhyme and rhythm; there's nothing wrong with beauty inart; a play should be a treat for the audience, not a realisticslice-of-life; it is not a legitimate use of the arts to make people eitherbad or unhappy; the "higher frivolity" is better than the"higher criticism" and other pretensions. You'll find all thisand more in this well-written book, which includes many quotations (and afew drawings) from GKC himself. And it's all at least as relevant today asit was in Chesterton's time.

An essential intro to a great writer
Mr. Peters has done a great job at presenting the essence of the creative Chesterton in this short but fulfilling book.While much certainly has been written on Chesterton's brilliant reasoning or his politicalphilosophies, at the root of his thinking was the simple idea that God sawcreation as a pleasing thing, and so should we.Chesterton brought notonly his firmly-rooted faith, but also a child-like wonder and a fantasticimagination to everything he wrote about, from sociology to satire. Peters' book is a satisfying primer on this idea, and it draws from adiversity of material. Each chapter gives a brief, but not abstract,summary of an aspect of Chesterton or his work.One, for instance, givesan overview of GKC's forays into songwriting, drama and illustration, whileanother outlines his views on art critics and "bohemians" -- people whoChesterton saw as possessing a distinct lack of imagination.The lastchapter serves as an overview of Chesterton's writing career.The book isnot exhaustive by any means, but it is complete. Artists and writers willappreciate this book, and I would especially recommend it to thoserelatively new to Chesterton, as you will find it to be a valuable andinformative introduction, as well as an enjoyable read. ... Read more

Product Description
Dealing with a time when "Christians" were moving towards separation from the movement's Jewish origins, this inaugural volume of A People's History of Christianity tells "the people's story" by gathering together evidence from the New Testament texts, archaeology, and other contemporary sources. Of particular interest to the distinguished group of scholar-contributors are the often overlooked aspects of the earliest "Christian" consciousness: How, for example, did they manage to negotiate allegiances to two social groups? How did they deal with crucial issues of wealth and poverty? What about the participation of slaves and women in these communities? How did living in the shadow of the Roman Empire color their religious experience and economic values? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Wonderful title for book club discussion
The bookstore guru at our church showed this title to me a few months ago, and we decided to do a summer study of the book at our church. As a researcher and professor (in education and addiction) I thoroughly enjoy reading decently supported hypotheses and points of view, rather than the dry research standard of the "nearly proven" and "facts."The book has made for fascinating reading, lively discussion, and a great deal of outside research on materials that we were not finding to our liking! Fun, exciting, fresh, interesting, and yes, quite inaccurate from time to time, but we didn't pick it as a research based memorization project, but rather for the provocative points of view within.If you want to learn a great deal about early christianies (yes, plural and small "c"), this is the place to go.As there are 7 books in the series, this will probably be the first of a set of 7 reading clubs spread out over seven summers.I cannot recommend this highly enough for discussion groups.If your background is strictly fundamentalist, this may not be to your liking at all, definitely not material for someone with the King James only point of view, if this is where you are coming from, you would be best served by reading some of the content online before making a purchase decision.

Again, Great and great!
Arrived within 5 days of ordering and was in perfect condition.Could not have done better at a book store!

!
An excellent cross-reference to another view of diffeent areas of Christianity especially in the early church.

History without people is not history at all!
The people are the most important part of history...

Fortress Press' A Peoples History of Christianity series understands one fundamental premise. There is no real history if the people are forgotten. In the first volume, Chrsitian Origins, Richard Horsley and those who contribute essays present an intriguing view of the thoughts,practices and beliefs of those in the Judean community who were affected by Jesus' sojourn. These people, historically invisible, are the faces in the crowds; those who gathered and hoped for deliverance from their circumstances. Horsley et al, give a riveting view of the lives of these persons and the impact of the ministry of Jesus on their lifestyles and their political views. Horsley is particularly engaging as he articulates the importance of the "Jesus movement" and the people's expectation of its renewal of Israel. These essays not only give light to the well known biblical accounts, but present a fresh outlook through the lens of the people who were apart of the communities affected by the spread of Christianity throughout the places that the apostles traveled.

One of the most notable chapters is William Herzog's essay "Why Peasants Responded to Jesus." This chapter looks at "doing history from below" exploring the use of parables as a means of expressing the pain associated with the oppression felt by those who were poor citizens under Roman rule. The distress of the poor and peasants reflected the socio-economic climate of the day, and the words of Jesus, especially in the parables that illuminated the disparity between the rich and the poor, helped to empower and give hope to those who were apart of the community. Herzog, utilizing the liberation oriented "pedagogy of the oppressed" by Paulo Freire, contends with masterful juxtaposition that Jesus, in the parables, used what Freire would label"verbal codifications" to instruct the people and to empower them to "interpret their world differently" (55-58).

The text provides insight into the lives of people in the places where texts were written or addressed. The two essays Conflict at Corinth, by Ray Pickett, and Matthew's People, by Warren Carter, give candid exposition into the lives of the Gentiles at Corinth and the Jews to whom Matthew primarily writes. Notable is the influence of the Roman Empire on both, as they sought to establish Christian focused lives and to especially in the case of Matthew's people, maintain a connection with tradition. The influence ofGreco-Roman philosophy and the economic views of the Roman Empire on Corinth is illustrated with candor and clarity providing new light to the biblical letters to the church at Corinth.

The text is quite eclectic as it goes beyond the lifestyles of those who were followers but also shedding light on the lives of slaves and the imperial rule that persecuted those who were apart of the movement. This text gives great insight into the feelings and struggles of those who were oppressed and martyred for the faith that many are able to experience unencumbered. As Stephen Friesen states in his essay Injustice or God's Will, "A people's history cannot ignore issues related to the uneven distribution of economic resources...throughout Christianity's existence" (240). This text does what many other historical accounts fail to do, it remembers that history is not history without the people, and it does this wonderfully.

A fresh perspective

Many times in studying and preaching the Gospels I like to make sure I am true to the text. As a pastor I always want to make sure I am approaching the text as the writer did when he wrote the text. I have always approach the text from the perspective of the writer as he dealt with his audience, as to why he wrote this text, what was going on at the time, and what the atmosphere and the political environment that motivated the writer to approach the text as he did. In my preparation and bible study time these have always been the questions I have asked myself. Until now I have not had much information and historical data to gather enough information on the complete thought process of the people that were being written about.

Richard Horsley in his book Christians Origins A People's History Of Christianity Volume 1 has given me additional resources that I may find the true atmosphere of the people in which the Gospel writers wrote about. In his book Horsley covers the culture climate between the elite and the peasants, and how the peasants constantly Felt threaten to have their land taken away with heavy taxes put upon them by the authorities and the elite members of society. He talks about where the early Jesus movements or the Christ- believers came from and how that basic foundation helped established what later Christianity became. He talks about who were the majority followers of Jesus and what were the things and events that motivated them to get behind this movement

In Horsley section that covers Women's History He covers it from the women perspectives and not the usual male dominated society perspective, which I find extremely refreshing. Form my perspective most of the people in church today are women, and since they are the majority I think its ideal to here the women'spoint of view, as to what either pushed or move them into taking thenecessary steps that placed them in the historical books of our time. Horsley also give the readers great inside to the struggles that the Apostle Paul had with the church at Corinth. There are many time that we read the Apostle's Paul writings and walk away feeling that everything he said to the church they accepted it with a smile. However this theory is extremely misleading, The leaders that Paul was over may have accepted it, but the people as a whole in Corinth flat out rejected him and his teachings. They question who gave him the authority to speak to them in a corrective manor.

Horsley talks about the difference between Matthew's people who thought of themselves as belonging to the tradition of Israel and Israel's God. From this perspective he looks at the people in Antioch and their imperial context and how they interacted with the powerful political, economic, societal, and religious forces of the Roman Empire. In the Gospel of John Horsley talks about how the division of Israel was divided into two kingdoms, the kingdom of Israel in the north and the kingdom of Judah in the south and what authoring they came under. He covers the controversial issue of slaves and why it was an acceptable behavior, and the justification that was used in the communities of Christ-Believers.

I believe Horsley makes allot of good points form the people perspective. The reality is if there were no people involved in the stories than we would not have a story to tell. I believe Horsley approach is very fresh and new and it takes the reader deeper into the text that will allow him, or her to expound on the text more from an application point of view as well as from the theological point of view. There are a few times I think he may cover too much detail about the everyday people, but that would be like saying the Gospel is not about Jesus. The purpose of this is to give the everyday person a name and a meaning and their proper place in history, and I believe Horsley does an excellent job in that area and I would recommend this book to any pastor or teacher who would like to know about the people involved in the writings of the New Testament.
















... Read more

Product Description
Many talk much, and indeed well, of what Christ has done for us: but how little is spoken of what he is to do in us! and yet all that he has done for us is in reference to what he is to do in us. He was incarnated, suffered, died, and rose again from the dead; ascended to heaven, and there appears in the presence of God for us. These were all saving, atoning, and mediating acts for us; that he might reconcile us to God; that he might blot out our sin; that he might purge our consciences from dead works; that he might bind the strong man armed —take away the armor in which he trusted, wash the polluted heart, destroy every foul and abominable desire, all tormenting and unholy tempers; that he might make the heart his throne, fill the soul with his light, power, and life; and, in a word, “destroy the works of the devil.” ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

This book changed my life!
I bought this book in college soon after I converted to Catholicism, and although years later I have read other relationship books, this one was the first. The reason I bought it is because as a new convert I felt like I needed some Catholic advice about such a serious subject. This book did not disappoint, and frankly this book changed my life. After reading it I started to implement changes in my dating habits. Not only changes in my habits, but my whole attitude and mindset about dating changed as well. It helped me to fully understand and appreciate the Holy Sacrament of Marriage in a way no one had ever taught me before. What a wake-up call, and what a blessing! After reading (and re-reading) the book I started to live a more God-centered dating life, and very soon after I met the man God meant for me to be with! We are now married and joyfully awaiting the arrival of our first child. Anyone who is considering the vocation of marriage should read this book and seriously ponder its advice. This is certainly one of the best books for any serious-minded young (and not-so-young) Catholic to read.

I am a success story of a young woman who read this book and reaped the benefits of the wisdom it had to offer.

Like I said before, this book changed my life, Deo Gratias!

Excellent Resource for Parents
This is an excellent resource for parents who seek to teach their children how to court rather than "date". In a world gone barking with promotion of sex over true love and respect, this will continue to be a valuable resource for teaching.

A book in the best tradition of Father Morrow.
Having happily been married for more than 20 years, I did not read this book to find a husband. I read it because I try to read whatever Father Morrow writes, as he is a faithful, clear and engaging Catholic writer. The book was up to my expectations: well structured, with concise summaries of each chapter, and vivid expressions ("Don't commit until you commit. And then really commit!"). The book provides food for reflection not only for Catholic singles looking for their soul mate but also for anybody else wanting to understand what Catholic courtship and marriage are, and why each spouse is called, first and foremost, to help the other achieve, with God's grace, what really counts in life, i.e. eternal salvation. In this respect, the second chapter of the book, on understanding the real meaning of love, is enlightening. The book is enriched by a sample wedding program and by footnotes that are short and to the point.

The most insulting, depressing book that I have read
"Most of the members of NOW are lesbians", women who dress (in the eye of the beholder) suggestively are "raping men", "women are obliged to modesty more than men." If you believe these statements then this is the book for you, if however, you find these sentiments to be mean spirited, petty, sexist, and downright ludicrous and insulting then don't waste your money on this book.This is easily the most depressing relationship book that I have read.Like many Catholics and other Christians that would choose to read a book with this title, I was looking for moral support and advice to live a chaste, self-respecting life and find someone of like mind to share that life.My disappointment in this book is immense.The overall message is that men are weak and women are wicked.There is a religious group that believes this- it's called the Taliban...Fr. Morrow please join them and leave the Catholic faith to those who fairly and accurately portray it.

Advice not for everybody
First, this book is in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church.So this criticism is not intended to imply that this book is somehow heterodox, it is not.

But frankly, the advice is not so good.It certainly does not apply to everyone.And some of the suggestions, frankly, left me scratching my head.

I am a middle-aged man who finds himself single again, yet able to marry in the Catholic Church.Little of the suggestions or advice in this book apply to someone my age.And since I was married before, I can say that some of the suggestions regarding married life are more likely to cause trouble than solve it.

I suppose a younger person, who is exceptionally psychologically stable and well-adjust and in an environment where there are many "dateable" people would be able to employ *some* the techniques in this book.But that is about it.

Save your money. ... Read more

Product Description
In this book Gordon Mikoski examines how the sacrament of baptism, the doctrine of the Trinity, and the practice of Christian education together constitute a dynamic nexus that has the potential to foster congregations marked by the formation of both deep Christian identity and creative engagement in public arenas for the common good. / After establishing the necessity of holding baptism, Trinity, and ecclesial pedagogy together through his careful study of both Gregory of Nyssa and John Calvin, Mikoski outlines how this nexus can function for contemporary Christian communities as they carry out the work of educational ministry. He then explores the dynamics of faith formation in the contemporary American context, concluding with a suggestive treatment of implications of the baptism-Trinity-pedagogy nexus for the educational ministry of a given congregation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Baptism Reinvigorated
Dr. Mikoski presents a fascinating argument about how the sacrament of baptism has been quietly shuffled off to the sidelines of Christian practice and why it should return to the center of Christian community.By touching upon the historical role of the rite of baptism through Gregory of Nyssa and John Calvin, Mikoski hopes to reinvigorate what was once a primary practice of Christian initiation in the life of the church.Essentially, he argues that baptism is a formational practice that develops Christian identity both within the individual and within the life of the community.As such the church has the opportunity to practice baptism as part of a larger theological vision for Christian education and formation.Recommended to pastors, practical theologians and interested lay members of the church. ... Read more