Book Description
Articles of Faithaddresses the 16 articles that make up the foundation of the Church of the Nazarene.Each of these 16 articles is examined and presented with a fresh and contemporary explanation to provide you with a clearer understanding of what these articles teach and how they can be expressed in your daily life. A deeper understanding of these articles will help you determine how you will live and how you will relate to one another and the world around you. ... Read more

Book Description
After a century of study and debate, the doctrine of sanctification, formulated by John Wesley in the 18th century, has resulted in two contemporaneous and competing definitions of entire sanctification in the Nazarene denomination. Mark Quanstom examines the gradual change in understanding this doctrine by focusing on its history and development in a balanced and well-researched perspective. ’Quanstrom effectively follows the various understandings of holiness that have shaped and been shaped by the Church of the Nazarene.His engaging style and clear writing makes this work valuable to laymen, ministers, students, and scholars.’ -Dr. John C. Bowling President, Olivet Nazarene University ’This work is a welcome contribution to the contemporary conversation about Holiness theology.Quanstrom’s thoughtful and careful scholarship produces a balanced study of the historical development of the understanding of holiness. . .It calls us to an awareness of the dynamic character of this tradition and to an active engagement with the doctrine of Christian perfection that remains at the heart of who we are.’ -Dr. Carl M. Leth Chairman Division of Religion and Philosophy, Olivet Nazarene University ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An Excellent Historical Analysis of the Nazarene Church
I have often wondered how Nazarene's deal with the "Pentecostal" language (and almost theology) in their churches.The two movements (Wesleyan-Holiness & Pentecostal) are so closely related that the early Pentecostals actually used Nazarene theology books and other Wesleyan texts for their Bible training (see Donald Dayton's THE THEOLOGICAL ROOTS OF PENTECOSTALISM).However, the Nazarenes and other Wesleyan-Holiness groups quickly distanced themselves from the early Pentecostals and even becoming some of the Pentecostals biggest persecutors.

This excellent work by Mark Quanstrom is a well researched and theological look at the changing of the teaching of the doctrine of entire sanctification.Quanstrom shows how the early Nazarenes taught and practiced the doctrine versus modern Nazarenes.Sadly, with time many Nazarenes have dropped much of their distinctive doctrines such as entire sanctification and Spirit-Baptism language for more evangelical terms.Further, many have moved away from their historical roots based strongly on Wesley and Arminian teachings toward more Calvinistic and progressive sanctification views.

A well thought out, well researched, well written overview of Nazarene theology over the past 100 years.

If you are a Nazarene--get this book
An interesting book by Mark Quanstrom for Nazarenes interested in the shifts in holiness theology in the 20th century.He argues that there are two competing theories of holiness today-generally represented by Richard Taylor and Mildred Wynkoop.The book is only what it claims to be--the hundred-year story of the doctrine of holiness among Nazarenes... if you are not a Nazarene you'll be disappointed at how significant matters relating to changes in holiness doctrine that happened outside of the Church of the Nazarene are ignored or treated lightly.If you are a Nazarene buy it, if not wait until someone emerges about 2015 to write about the entire movement and not merely one denomination. (Maybe Donald Dayton?)--Keith Drury, Associate Professor of Religion, Indiana Wesleyan University </I> ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A "what if" that was.
What if Jews had accepted Jesus?In fact they did, and this is their story.

I borrowed this book from my parents, read it, and re-read it.It is written in the voice of a quiet academic; the reader is offered a treasure of research from which to assemble a perspective unguided other than by the heart to do the work in the first place.The story that emerged for me, was that of the Jewish believers' fate to hold on to their faith for hundreds of years, only to ultimately evaporate in the desert.

Maybe it will revive.

Having disciplined myself to buy only books worth re-reading, I added this one to my wish list.

Should be frontpage news
Ray Pritz has done the whole religious world a great service in uncovering this needy topic.I know of no other work [despite hard effort to find] that so adequately covers the obscure topic of The Earliest Followers of Jesus, who were primarily from Jesus' own Jewish religion.

The loss of the history of these earliest Christians is a tragedy to Christianity of all time, and, I would argue, a great loss to the Jewish community as well. These resilient early followers of The Way were the most pressured, most persecuted, hated, and reviled of all believers, squeezed in the vise between the unbelieving Jews and the Hellenistic gentile fledgling Church. What they believed, how they lived, and their scant obscure legacy are treasures worth un-earthing for our modern time.

Its hard to fault this book:I loved the painstaking, granular sifting of evidence via several academic disciplines:a forensic quest rivaling the most detailed of investigative journalism.What did I not like??... The brevity.I was left wanting more.

This book belongs in the library of every serious school and student of Christian Church history.

Messianic Judaism in the Early Centuries
I know of no other book that traces as faithfully and as well documented as this book by Ray Pritz.He quotes the early church fathers, tracing Jewish believers who believed in Jesus until the third century.TheGentile Church did not know how to handle them because they remainedJewish.The Jewish Community did not know what to do with them becausethey believed that Jesus was their Messiah.They were caught in between,much as the Messianic Jewish synagogues of today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Great historical narrative of Biblical times
The Nazarene paints a vivid, colorful picture of the historical era of Christ in the land of Israel.Asch excels in describing the culture, geography, politics and religious atmosphere in which Christ lived.Although, this book is slow in action, it is truly rich in character and background development. Readers of the Bible will see many of its holes filled in by knowledgeable contentions on the part of Asch who seems a keen expert on the times of Christ.

He oddly uses a narrative technique involving citizens of 1930's Poland who have connected with their past lives.In their past lives, they interacted in the events surrounding Christ's life, and they tell the story from their past lives' perspective.I found this aspect of the novel strange and unnecessary.Asch could have excluded the "reincarnation" scenario and just scripted an historical novel based on the known events of Christ's life.

This is not a quick read and was slow and methodical but provides such insight into Biblical events that it is worthwhile.Asch is a jewish writer but does not contradict Christian beliefs; he rather offers the reader varying accounts of characters in the book, as history itself has done.

Reading it leaves you humble.
I finished this book a couple of nights ago. I felt as if a I were reading the Bible and understood it better, especially the Jewish religion. I wasn't sure which was fiction and which was taken from the Bible, but it didn't really matter. Reading it gave me a better understanding of the Jewish culture and why they still believe the Messiah hasn't come yet. I'm not sure I believe in regression and past lives, but it was used as a good vehicle to tell an age old story in a new light. I'm going to pass my copy on to a Methodist minister and I will be curious to see his reaction after reading it.

A Spiritual Masterpiece
Being a voracious and discriminating reader who has constantly read and reads books of quality and depth, there have been only rare occasions when a book has awakened and uplifted my soul. In other words, reading such a work went much further than the mere act of reading; I can look back and remember it as an *experience* transcending cognation. My encounter with such a book and author turned out to be a major event in my life, as real as birth, death, marriage, etc. I just now realize in writing this, that it was thirty years ago this month when I first read those words that began on the first page of THE NAZARENE: ". . . our senses are haunted by fragmentary recollections of another life. They drift like torn clouds above the hills and valleys of the mind, and weave themselves into the incidents of our current existence . . ."This novel begins in the old Jewish quarter of Warsaw, just prior to WWII, as Sholem Asch reveals that the truth of Yeshua the Nazarene is also the truth of the TORAH.
Also, there is an additionalpoignancy if one looks at the date when THE NAZARENE was published: 1939. The "modern" sections of the book took place in the Jewish physical and spiritual environment that soon faced its Passion.
THE NAZARENE is truly a spiritual classic.

Wonderful story set in the time of Christ
This book paints a picture of the characters in Jerusalem at the time of Christ. It is as if Sholem Asch were one of these characters, masterfully detailing life in Israel while under the rule of Rome, weaving the stories of individuals with the biblical accounts of Jesus and His disciples. Excellent book!

One of the best interpetations of Jesus' life I've read
This book is a long gospel.

It is unbelievably well-written and truly fascinating. The desriptions are vivid and colourful; Sholem Asch is simply great at revealing the mysticism of Judaism. I can only agree that it feels as if he has seen the events with his own eyes; his interpretation is well thought out and and well 'felt out'.

To me this book was a spiritual experience comparable to few others - like the Bible and 'The Glass Bead Game', perhaps. ... Read more

Book Description
Originally published in 1926, this classic investigation into the historical Jesus by Maurice Goguel, Professor of New Testament Criticism at the University of Paris, is considered one of the best rebuttals of the "Mythical Jesus" theory of Christian origins. This theory, started by German scholar Bruno Bauer in the mid 19th century, maintained that Jesus never existed and that Christianity evolved as an amalgam of various popular religious myths in circulation during the early centuries of the Roman Empire.Goguel first examines the meager non-Christian evidence from antiquity that attests to the existence of Christianity—i.e., in the works of Tacitus, Pliny, and Josephus, among others. Based on a statement about Christians in the annals of Tacitus, Goguel is convinced that Tacitus knew of a document that "connected Christianity with the Christ crucified by Pontius Pilate."He then devotes considerable attention to the letters of Paul, pointing out many points of historical reference in Paul that make it highly probable that Jesus was an actual religious leader. In particular he notes the sometimes-contentious relation between Paul and the brother of Jesus as well as Jesus' apostles. He asks why such details of conflict and disharmony among early Christians would be preserved in accounts that dealt solely with a myth. Finally, he examines the four gospels. While recognizing their inadequacy as reliable historical accounts and the implausibility of certain supernatural events reported in them, he argues that literary creativity and supernatural claims were commonplace in describing extraordinary persons in antiquity. Roman accounts of the death of Julius Caesar, for example, also contain descriptions of miraculous events, yet no one today thinks to doubt the existence of Julius Caesar. This rigorous examination of the life of Jesus and early Christianity, full of sound historical conclusions that have stood the test of time, deserves a place in the library of anyone with an interest in Christian origins. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Paradoxical Book
Goguel wrote this book back in 1926 in defense of the historical verity of Jesus and his resurrection.It has been reprinted by a printing house that specializes in books hostile to the Christian faith.The introduction to the book touts it as evidence against the historicity of Jesus because Goguel admits the strengths of the arguments against Jesus' historicity and admits the weaknesses of the arguments in favor of Jesus' historicity.

Goguel does admit the strengths of opposing arguments, but feels, as I do, that his counter-arguments defeat them.Goguel further is willing to admit the weaknesses in his arguments.Such honesty is refreshing.On balance, he makes a strong case for Jesus as an actual human being whose Messianic ministry was cut short by Pontius Pilate.He also makes a strong case for Jesus' disciples sincerely believing and honestly reporting that they had seen Jesus alive after his crucifixion.

Why is Goguel being reprinted by a group that specializes in publishing anti-Christian rhetoric?Because, although he accepts the Gospels as historically accurate, he rejects them as literally true.He subjects the resurrection accounts to a most rigorous examination and comes away with conclusions which should please neither militant disbelievers nor militant believers.

Much debate falls into the error of false dichotomy.Either it's one way or the other with no alternative.Either you must vote Democrat or Republican in the next presidential election--nope, there will be other names on the ballot.Either the Gospels are fairy tales or every word of them is absolutely true--Goguel sees this as a false dichotomy, but he sees more truth than error in the Gospels.

Was Jesus a Historical Figure or a Myth?
This book sheds light on the historical evidence that Jesus of Nazareth lived on earth as the Bible states.

This is not a book for one who enjoys a casual read.This is an in-depth study of the entire personage and history of Jesus, as well as the faith/reglious beliefs that resulted due to his life on earth. It is a college-level text and the reader should be aware that it will require thought and study in reading and interpreting this volume. This is not to say that one needs a college education to read the book, but again, it is not a casual read.It will take effort on the part of the reader.

The author presents non-biblical sources that refer to Jesus.He also presents objections to the non-biblical sources.He then concentrates the remainder of the book on the Apostle Paul and the Gospels, and how Paul started and spread the Christian faith.

Ultimately, the book's central issue comes down to one point - did Jesus actually rise from the dead as the Gospels and Paul proclaim?If he rose, then he is indeed GOd in the flesh.If the resurrection is a myth or hoax, then the religion is as dead as the man.

Goguel takes the reader through a very in-depth study of early Christianity to come up with his final conclusion.

For the searcher trying to find faith in the historical reality of Jesus and his resurrection, this is a valuable book, one that will confirm the traditions of faith that have been practiced for nearly 2,000 years.

Jim "Konedog" Koenig ... Read more

Book Description
’Some of our best ’men’ are women’’An oft-repeated folklore tells us that Phineas Bresee, one of [our] main denominational founders, was fond of saying, ’some of our best ’men’ are women!’Who were these women?Rebecca Laird offers a fascinating historical glimpse at 12 pioneer women ministers who helped shape the Church of the Nazarene, including: Lucy Pierece Knott Mary Lee Harris Cagle Olive M. Winchester Frances Rye McClurkan Susan Norris Fitkin These women’s lives and ministries step from the pages of the early 20th century and speak to us today with significant questions past and present.Paper. ... Read more

Book Description
War is upon us and now is the time to put a uniform to our faith. The pages contained in this book explain the awesome power we share as Christ’s soldiers in the greatest military ever to assemble on planet Earth. This book will be the crossroad of the world. First, we must fall back to our basic training as soldiers and relate God’s word to our military bearing with Christian principles. Our mission is to communicate the love Christ extended to us by practicing it in private and modeling it in public. Our basic training will give us the necessary structure, rank and profile we need to establish a command presence for the kingdom of God. As an Extreme Nazarene soldier, you will be required to follow and lead others through times of spiritual terrorist attacks and ambushes. Are you ready for your tour of duty? Then enlist today! Hoo-rah!! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Attention all men:The perfecttoolbox for changingyour life.
A great step by step outline to makeing life altering changes. A Joyce Meyers style writing. An easy read, the perfect tool box to bring fresh revelation. Practical,applicable, all scriptural based, funny and relatable.The suggestions are right to the point. He uses real life examples and experiences. Don't miss this one!!!!!!!! What do you get when a soldier and christian become one EXTREME NAZARENE ... Read more

Book Description
You probably meet them every day.At the grocery store.On the highway.In your neighborhood.They come in all colors, shapes, and sizes.But they are a global community, and they are held together by a bond of faith.They are Nazarenes.And they share a dream.Around the turn of the 19th century, the Holiness Movement blossomed in America.Wesleyan-Holiness denominations sprang up all over the country.In 1907-08, five of these joined together to form the Church of the Nazarene.The dream that drew the founders together was a believers’ church in the Wesleyan tradition.It is the same dream that guides the Church of the Nazarene today.But how does that translate into a world where denominational lines don’t seem to matter as much as they used to?How is a Nazarene different from a Presbyterian, Baptist, or Pentecostal brother or sister in Christ? What Is a Nazarene?,the abridged version of the bookHere We Stand , answers those questions in concise, easy-to-understand terms, as it examines the similarities and differences between the Church of the Nazarene and other mainline Christian denominations.With refreshing insight and candor,What Is a Nazarene?will acquaint you with the heritage that birthed a vision that made a dream come true.Paper. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Introduction
This book is a great introduction to what the Church of the Nazarene is all about.It gives a brief historical overview and treatment of the denomination's beliefs.Most of the book, however, is taken up by a comparison of the Church of the Nazarene with other Christian denominations and presents a solid introduction to each without passing judgement.This is a great book for those looking for a quick introduction as well as for long-time members looking for a reminder of what the Nazarenes are all about. ... Read more

Book Description
Believe anything you want.The twentieth century has brought with it a myriad of opinions, philosophies, doctrines and ideologies.Each one of them important; each one valid.And the world says, ’Believe what you want.’Authors Wes Tracy and Stan Ingersol have authoredHere We Standto shatter that conclusion.More than ever, it is important that we know what we believe. Here We Standis a comprehensive study of a wide range of beliefs and where Nazarenes fit into the ideological puzzle.Tracy and Ingersol provide the most contemporary and complete overview of major religions and religious beliefs sinceWhy I Am a Nazarene .Nazarenes have the unique opportunity to reestablish their identity with a new generation of people.Here We Standgives a clear view into other traditions in a language and approach understood by today’s pastors and laymen. Here We Standcontributes to the distinctiveness of each group without sacrificing the Christian community as a whole.Pastors, Sunday School teachers and new Christians will find this unabridged version of the book What Is a Nazarene? an excellent resourcebecause it lends a knowledgeable, objective voice to discussions of doctrine, witnessing and spirituality.Here We Standprovides the historical and theological background needed to establish identity and ownership among new and life-long Nazarenes.Kivar. ... Read more

Book Description
The first in a 2-volume set, this volume examines the biblical foundation for the doctrine and illuminates several key passages.Cloth. ... Read more

Book Description
Cyril Scott felt that if the Christian religion was to survive, its esoteric aspects must be presented to the reading public and not merely remain the knowledge of a select few. The Vision of the Nazarenereveals Jesus of Nazareth in a light hitherto unknown and unsuspected by most. It also gives the key to many of his teachings which have not been correctly understood. 2 illustrations. Introduction. Afterword. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

For open minded thinkers!
One of the best books of it's kind in print.Cyril Scott lays out in lament easy to understand terminolgy the philosphy of the way christianity should be viewed and taught, and not traditionally believed.Gives plain and simple explanations on how scriptures can be misrepresented, and how wrong thought process can discourage the novice christian believer.

Jesus the master is seen from a most wonderful, realistic, down to earth point of view.The writer paints a Jesus or Nazerene that is for the most part real and beliveable. ... Read more

Book Description
This book is a study of the original faith of the Apostles, in both practice and ultimate aims. Who the Nazarenes (or "Natsarim") actually were, and how they are contrasted with ancient and modern Christianity may surprise many people today. Being de-railed from the true Israelite roots of the faith quite early, the faith seen in the Messiah of Israel in the time of the Apostles has changed dramatically.

The original Nazarenes were a sect within the nation of Israel, and the predominant feature of them involved a renewed heart which loved the Torah, and a professed belief in the Messiah, Yahshua (Yeshua, Yahushua). If you are ready to learn what the Messiah actually came to teach His people Israel, then you are ready to read the study Nazarene Israel: The Original Faith of the Apostles. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Original Faith and Practices.
This book will challenge the traditions of Christianity.
The title of the first chapter is "Christianity:not the Original Faith?". The author demonstrates how the original faith was very different than what we have in today's churches. The early believers were known as Nazarenes,not Christians.
Mr. Willis explains the "Two Houses" very well. He discusses the names used for the House of Israel which also can be the house of Ephraim or Joseph.
He uses Scripture to verify that Torah hasn't been nullified by Yahushua(Jesus). The Bible verifies that the Apostles observed the "Jewish" feast schedule,particularly Paul.
Two verses to check out regarding the observance of Biblical feasts: look at what Zechariah 14:16 and Revelation 21:3 tell of the Feast of Tabernacles.
Another word rarely given a second thought is "gentile". It may very well be that James,John,Peter,and Paul equated that particular word with the lost sheep of Israel. If they were worshipping false gods they may have been considered gentiles.
This is a book that reads easily and has a lot of edifying information. I recommend it.

ISRAEL IS ANYONE THAT OBEYS THE COVENANT
The first edition of Nazarene Israel is a great starting point for the average Christian believer that suspects there is something missing or distorted about their belief system.Although this edition is out-of-print, it can be found "used" here on Amazon.com-and it will certainly challenge the reader to do more personal research, testing everything they've been taught.Most people have come to their beliefs through the culture, preachers, and the opinions of authors;but they need to search the Scriptures for themselves. "Sound-bytes" taken out of context are a poor way to arrive at the Truth, but a great way to "program" people with beliefs that are not facts.There's only ONE group that will enter the New Yerushaliyim, and that's ISRAEL.And, the only ones that can claim the name of ISRAEL are those that observe the Covenant with Yahuah.Nazarene Israel is a great first step toward seeing this Truth.

Truth For the Seeker
There are only a few books that attempt to tell the truth and this is one of them along with fossilized customs by Lew White. This book will shake the very foundations and tenets of the Christian faith that went so wrong shortly after the Apostles died. If you want no part of Biblical Truth then stay away from this book and go back to the lying pablum you've been living on all of your life.

Nazarene Israel 5 Stars
Anyone Skeptical about the two house theory or Christianity should read Nazarene Israel. It proves to the reader that the history that your "Church" has taught you is only half Truth.

An Excellent Explaination!!
In this book you will discover the truth about the scriptures and our Forefathers the Apostles. As for me and my house, I am returning to the original faith of the Apostles and not man made dogma! ... Read more

Book Description
the nazarenes truth is priceless. understanding is long overdue. this work is shocking and the most controversial ever. caution in discussing it should be made, because it will anger many. it will be cheered by those who need explanations, those who want the real revelations. the corrected story of yeshua hasmonean, the ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

a strangely compelling effort
Rebeccasreads recommends THE NAZARENES even though it seriously needs proofreading because...

If you liked Dan Brown's THE DA VINCI CODES you're going to enjoy this little book which will make you do several Biblical double-takes -- both Old & New Testaments, as well as learning something about this ancient sect whose members included Samson & Jesus.

If nothing else, Robert L. Gibson's THE NAZARENES will get you talking, & re-evaluating your perceptions of who the historical Jesus really was, & how far from his ways Christians have strayed ever since. ... Read more

Book Description
Parrott’s insights into key issues for board members make this book required reading for both new and ’seasoned’ board members and pastors. Use these resources to transform meetings into ministry! ... Read more

Book Description
A readable and comprehensive little book on the development and current state of the church.Includes information on history, doctrine, growth, government, and its various agencies.Designed as an introduction to the church.Paper. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

What Is the Church of the Nazarene?
This small brochure was written by a Nazarene leader and is very succinct.I am a new Nazarene Church member and have heard many terms used but without any understanding.It covered them all; The Manual, District Assembly, District and General Superintendent, Phineas Bresee, John Wesley etc.It was a good brief history as well. ... Read more

Product Description
1969 Revied Edition of 1958 ... Read more