In 1987 the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren
Conference changed its name for the third time since its 1889 founding. Therein lies a
tale of a small Mennonite denomination in search of its religious identity that author
Calvin Redekop unravels in this intriguing book."... a fascinating mixture of historical narrative, sociological analysis, and moral passion. Through it runs a theme of irony and a sober warning. Redekop's story...shows that church revitalization can come at the high cost of losing original core values" — James C Juhnke, Professor of History, Bethel (Kan.) College
A comprehensive modern biography of
Melchior Hoffman, one of the most important figures in the "Radical
Reformation". This history traces not only the intellectual development of Hoffman
himself, but analyses the various groups of his followers and relates his life and work
closely to the social and political context of the time.
How do our social, political and religious
commitments influence our interpretation of biblical texts? Are obedience and suspicion
necessarily opposite ways to repond to the authority of the Bible? Can one criticise and
be transformed at the same time? Laura Neufeld Harder explores these questions from the
vantage point of a scholar, a feminist and a member of a faith community.
Readings, reflections and prayers designed to take
readers through Luke's Gospel over a period of ten weeks. The authors of the daily
readings encourage us to hear Jesus' challenge to follow him across the borders - the
boundaries we set up in our hearts and minds against others. Produced by the Evangelical
Contribution on Northern Ireland.
This widely-praised
expository commentary explores the historical and social milieu of Jeremiah and offers a
theological interpretation of this central book of the Old Testament. In contrast to
current approaches to Jeremiah, Brueggemann uses a combination of sociological and
literary analysis to provide a fresh look at the critical theological issues in the
Jeremiah tradition. First published as two volumes, this combined edition includes an
important new preface in which Brueggemann surveys the current state of Jeremiah studies.
This set of twelve "Bible lectures"
serves as a nice supplement to Yoder’s work with the Bible in 'The Politics of
Jesus'. This book provides more of Yoder’s provocative engagement with twelve
biblical passages. I am grateful that Wipf & Stock have put this 1985 book back into
print. — MTN
I discovered this too
late to include it in the survey, last time, on studies of Jesus. But this is a wonderful
read. Luke Timothy Johnson says it well: "Engagingly written, 'The Human Christ'
combines impressive erudition in the history of biblical scholarship with page-turning
cultural commentary and - let’s face it - gossip. I stayed up all night reading it
and had a wonderful time." — MTN
Marcus Borg writes in the preface, "This book attempts in a scholarly
and nondogmatic way to say, 'This is what the historical portrait of what Jesus was like,
this is what he taught, and this is what his mission was about'. It seeks, in short, to
sketch a Jesus was like as a figure of history before his death."
Drawing on stories from the lives of the saints,
scripture, and everyday life, Jim Forest opens up the mysteries of the Beatitudes. These
ancient blessings, with which Christ began his Sermon on the Mount, are all aspects of
communion with God. As Forest shows, they are like rungs on a ladder, each one leading to
the next. They appear at the doorway of the New Testament to provide an easily memorised
summary of everything that follows, right down to the crucifixion ("Blessed are you
who are persecuted") and the resurrection ("Rejoice and be glad").
Witherington is one of the most
prolific New Testament scholars writing today. He has written commentaries and other books
that have given him the background to write this book. This is a very good, up-to-date
survey of recent studies on Paul, written in accessible language. — MTN
Elizabeth Hershberger
Bauman tells seventeen true stories of men and women who practiced returning good for
evil. They come from various times and countries, to show the universal power of Christian
love. Will challenge readers regardless of their age.
As a Mennonite child
growing up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in the 1940s, I associated often with Amish
neighbours. One of my favourite books was "Henner’s Lydia", whose Amish
"heroine" was just like my friends on nearby farms. Marguerite de Angeli’s
delightful story and charming illustrations were based on visits in Amish homes near
Morgantown, and whenever our family drove to that town, we passed the schoolhouse pictured
in the book (which today is a tourist information centre operated by Amish Mennonites).
" Yonie Wondernose", which features Lydia’s little brother, is a companion
book although each book stands on its own. Reading them again, I am reminded that although
the secular world has changed greatly since the books were written in 1936 and 1944, the
Amish world remains much the same - at least on the family farm. I am delighted that
Herald Press has seen fit to reprint these books with their realistic stories and pictures
of Amish children, neither of whom is a "perfect" child! — Virginia Glass
Schlabach
See Henner's Lydia
Of the books I’ve read this year this is my
favourite. Jones tackles many difficult questions, head-on. His wrestling with the
issues involves careful, nuanced theological discussion, with a rich deployment of film,
literature, and real-life stories. As Jean Bethke Elshtain says: "Forgiveness often
gives off a faint whiff of sentimental piety. L Gregory Jones offers a strong, embodied
account of forgiveness that shows us just what a tough, distinctive, hard-won
accomplishment. . . it is. His new book is wonderful reading." — MTN
Freedom and wholeness come when we choose to live within boundaries. We
seek compassionate limits drawn by the civil society and the church. We need boundaries
that connect to our covenant with God. These help us in our relationships with each other
and speak to our long-term good. This book celebrates contained freedom that places a
fence around us from the time we are born till the time we die.
Johnson is the author
of numerous books, one on spirituality, most on the New Testament, including the recent
book, "The Real Jesus". In this book he provides an account of how the Jesus of
authentic Christian faith is fully experienced through the lifelong process of what
Johnson calls "learning Jesus". L Gregory Jones, author of "Embodying
Forgiveness", says: "'Living Jesus' nourishes an authentic Christian
spirituality." — MTN
A twelve day walk along the Pilgrim's Way
to Canterbury is the setting for engaging conversations about Christian discipleship. A
dozen fellow pilgrims, including Noel Moules and Arfon Jones, share insights on prayer,
peacemaking, celebration, community, money, doubt, risk-taking, and other provocative
topics of Christian faith. Illustrated. "Reading this book is the next best thing to
actually walking a pilgrimage..." — Eleanor Kreider, Regents Park College,
Oxford
Devoted Hauerwas readers will not want to miss this
book. As usual, there is a wonderful introduction. Many of the prayers are moving, some
(such as "Addressing the God Who Is Not the ‘Ultimate Vagueness’") are
provocative, all are intended to remind the listeners (readers) that there is a God worthy
of our worship and prayers. — MTN
Whatever your job, you must be able to communicate
effectively in order to be successful in your work. Whether you define success in terms of
personal satisfaction, responsibility and remuneration, or status and respect - people who
are skilful, constructive communicators are more likely to experience success in the
workplace. This very practical book examines the following questions about communication
at work : What is it? Why is it important? How can I learn to do it better?
These cassettes feature Edwin H Friedman narrating selected stories from
his book "Friedman's Fables" - featuring parables which highlight the classic
dilemmas and struggles of relationships.
Children often have problems with anger. So do
teachers and parents. Why? Because we're afraid of anger. It may mean that someone is out
of control, or won't like us. It may mean that someone acts violently. This book is about
helping 6 to 15 year olds handle their anger so that they can live successfully,
healthily, happily and nonviolently, with motivation, without fear and with good
relationships. An accessible resource book for teachers, parents and all who care for
children, it is full of stories and easy-to-use games and exercises.
Share the challenges,
rewards, and triumphs of some of the most accomplished mediators in the business. Jimmy
Carter, Linda Colburn, Lawrence Susskind, and other renowned practitioners - working in a
variety of arenas - take you behind the scenes, presenting their insights, techniques and
experiences in twelve candid, interview-based profiles. Their compelling stories
illustrate the many ways people make talk work, making this a uniquely practical,
inspiring resource for both professionals and aspirants to the field of mediation.
An updated and expanded version of the best selling
book which aids in understanding personality differences. A major addition to the earlier
book is the kinds of intelligence--tactical, logistical, diplomatic, strategic. Helpful in
selecting work which matches ones skills. — Mary TN
In contrast to
"the City", that is, the world (including the hedonism and narcissism of popular
culture) that virtually all human beings now inhabit, the author calls upon the church to
remember that it is "Another City" that does not compromise itself by giving
allegiance to any political entity that belongs to this world. Instead, the church has the
courage to live, like Israel of old, in the diaspora as a distinct minority, remaining an
uncompromising and faithful servant of God's final (though still future) triumph in the
risen Christ. 
This is a very fine little book. And given that it
is a small book, Kenneson accomplishes quite a lot. He re-defines the discussion about
"sectarianism" so that many who are often dismissed by the label
"sectarian" cannot be so easily dismissed and others doing the dismissing, if
they are not careful, may find themselves to be the "sectarians." — MTN 
This book's theme is that the Biblical
canon, read as a whole or as a "unity of unities," calls for mission, and
mission emerges from and always has need of the biblical canon for its witness in and to
the world. Beeby proposes the Exodus theme as a way of understanding both the canonical
unity of the Bible and Christianity's mission in today's world - a mission that must
include interfaith dialogue.
A collection of classic essays by a leading
historian of western mission thought, "Changing Frontiers of Mission" reflects
on the history of mission and seeks to discern its path for the future. Ever since Jesus's
time, mission must precede the church. The renewal of the church is linked to recovering
this priority of mission. Unlike in the past, when the "frontier" was a
geographical location, the future "frontier" is symbolized by outward movement,
away from the status quo and towards new challenges, growth and opportunities.
The authors see the West as obsessed by the
"culture of economism", a pervasive and often oppressive culture in which
economic causes or factors become the main source of cultural meaning and values. They
acknowledge that the culture of economism manifests itself also in the organisational
culture of the church. But on the positive side they see recent paradigm shifts at the
organisational level in both the church and economism that present a window of opportunity
for mission.
"Into the
Vacuum" offers the thesis that the world has entered an age of barbarism, stepping
into a process that involves disintegrating into a moral vacuum from which the only exit
is to become the church of committed disciples. The argument is grounded in a variety of
experiential, historical and theological materials.
What must a new convert know or believe? How do
they know? How can Christian teaching be translated and communicated inter-culturally
without distorting the message? How should mission be done in an anticolonial, postmodern
era characterised by religious relativism and accusations of Christian imperialism?
In struggling with these questions, Hiebert focuses on three epistemological foundations
or specific theories of knowledge that underlay them - positivism,
instrumentalism/idealism, and critical realism.
How can the Christian faith be translated into new
languages and into new cultural forms? How much of Christian faith is culturally
conditioned and how much is universal? These are some of the hermeneutical questions that
arise as the church enters into its missional calling. Brownson explores these and other
questions in an effort to understand how the church can engage in cross-cultural
hermeneutics in clear and effective ways.
This book is written against the background of a century which has
witnessed two world wars, the spectre of nuclear annihilation, and the wholesale
extermination of peoples, as well as numerous other conflicts with equally tragic results.
For both pacifists and just war theorists, individuals and groups, "Just
Peacemaking" explores our intentions to restore a just and enduring peace - and looks
at the positive, practical steps we can take to make peace.
This book contains two or three essays that for
many years were my favourites by Yoder (and I know that one was Stanley Hauerwas’
favourite as well). Long out of print, this book contains some very important writings on
pacifism. (Do be aware, however, that four of the seven essays are reprinted in "The
Royal Priesthood" and one in "For the Nations".) — MTN
Yvonne Craig looks at the common symptoms of
conflict, and at how all too frequently these symptoms are stifled, especially among
Christians. Yet this process almost always aggravates the situation, leading to open or
covert conflict, often painfully protracted. She shows how, instead, throught the direct
action of mediation, these crunch points can be turned into opportunities for growth and
cooperative understanding. A practical book, offering advice on how to set about mediation
that can really turn round difficult situations.
The author writes,
"Peace has nothing to do with passivity or resignation. It is not for the spineless
or self-absorbed, or for those content with a quiet life. Peace demands that we live
honestly before God, before others and in the light of our own conscience. It does not
come without the burden of duty, for it demands deeds of love. "Peace is a
relentless pursuit kept up only with hope and courage, vision and commitment. Thus the
search for it cannot be a selfish one. It cannot be merely a question of finding
fulfillment, achieving closure, or, as Aristotle put it, actualizing our human potential.
No! To seek peace means to seek harmony within ourselves, with others, and with God."
In the year before his death in 1996,
Henri Nouwen had planned to write a book about the Apostles' Creed. But then the death of
his friend Adam Arnett, a severely handicapped young man from his Daybreak Community,
changed his mind. He found that, by reflecting on the story of Adam he had found a way of
describing his own understanding of the Gospel message. This book, completed only weeks
before Henri Nouwen's own death, is a fitting reflection of his essential message and
legacy.
Essentially a Lent
book, "At the Cross" examines key figures who were involved in the Passion
story. New insights are revealed through familiar characters such as Simon Peter; Judas,
the betrayer; Pontius Pilate; Mary Magdalene. The role of other less familiar figures is
explored : Mary of Bethany, whose love for Jesus was made manifest in anointing his feet
with perfume; the Jewish High Priest Caiaphas; Nicodemus; the Centurion at the cross.
Clearly and simply written, the book is illustrated with beautiful woodcuts of all the
characters. Each chapter concludes with prayers and meditations suitable for further
reflection.
The story of the birth
of Jesus is one to which Rembrandt returned time and again during his life. This book
reproduces a carefully chosen selection of Rembrandt's masterpieces, ranging from large
oils to intimate pen and ink drawings, coupled with the Gospel text, to capture the wonder
and the mystery of the birth of Christ.
Why would a married
woman with a thoroughly Protestant background and often more doubt than faith be drawn to
the ancient practice of monasticism, to a community of celibate men whose days are centred
around a rigid schedule of prayer, work and scripture reading? Poet Kathleen Norris
puzzles over this question as, somewhat to her surprise, she finds herself on two extended
residencies at St John's Abbey in Minnesota. Part record of her time among the
Benedictines, part meditation on various aspects of monastic life, this is a refreshingly
original book, full of warmth and insight.
"Beautiful poems and vignettes
provide inspiration and education for people with Parkinson's disease and those who love
them. Esther Bender shares her innermost feelings with us in a wonderful way."
—Dr Howard E Weiss, Neurologist, Sinai Hospital, Baltimore
At the heart of this book are real-life
stories of people who overcame their greatest obstacles. Johann Christoph Arnold tells
their stories, building his book on the premise that the longing for peace lies deep
within every person. "Drained" makes no attempt to present a cure-all for life's
problems, but for those ready to go beyond quick-fix "remedies", it offers
stepping stones to a fulfilled life.
In this fascinating and timely study the authors reinterpret
eschatological hope for today's Christians, looking at images from the Bible and Christian
tradition. A thoroughly interdisciplinary work that is clearly and engagingly written.
Drawn from the Bible story of David, Peterson skillfully offers fresh
insights on being fully human and fully alive to God. — Mary TN
"Music in Worship" provokes thought, self-examination and
delightful affirmation in its varied and well-written essays. The book is written by
people who are in the best sense passionate about their calling. Not content with glib or
facile answers to complex questions, the writers probe the deep structures of meaning in
congregational song and uncover insights that offer hope for guiding the church to more
faithful worship.
What does Christian spirituality mean and how do we
apply it to our lives? Rolheiser explains what the non-negotiables are and how
spirituality impacts on every area of life. He offers an apologia for God and the Church
in a world that often doubts the credibility of both. — Mary TN
Rolheiser shines a new light on the contemplative
path of Western Christianity. He connects living in a certain way with the way back to a
lively faith. — Mary TN
Richard Foster wrote this book "out of a deep
conviction that a great, new gathering of the people of God is occurring in our day."
Streams of life that have been isolated for a very long time are being brought together.
The author explores these different traditions, which he categorises as : contemplative,
or the prayer-filled life; holiness, or the virtuous life; charismatic, or the
Spirit-empowered life; social justice, or the compassionate life; evangelical, or the
Word-centred life; and incarnational, or the sacramental life.
Vividly evoking the
sights, sounds, smells - even the tastes - of the Holy Land, Tom Wright takes us on a
contemporary pilgrimage to help us respond to Jesus' call today. An ideal introduction to
the Christian faith, "The Way of the Lord" aims to lead us into a greater
knowledge and love of Christ - whether our pilgrimage is physical, or one of heart and
mind.
Who was Henri Nouwen? What was he like as a person? What was his own life
story? Ford presents a portrait of a man whose spiritually profound books emerged from his
own wounded and searching soul. - Mary TN
An important book, one I had been hoping for for some time. Lisa Sowle
Cahill says it well: "William Spohn unites historical Jesus research, Christian
spirituality, virtue ethics, and social justice commitment in an ecumenical vision of
discipleship, discernment, and action. A learned yet inspirational tour de force."
— MTN
The twentieth century has been one of unparalleled
and rapid transience. If there is a key work for the century, it might be alienation. Amid
increasing and sometimes chaotic complexity, individuals struggle to attain an integrated
and stable self. Ecological consciousness has helped post-enlightenment humans to see how
estranged we are from the earth. Societies, too, are internally divided. This profound and
important book recognises and reveals the connections between these three alienations. The
author here undertakes a probing "critical conversation" with culture, outlining
a "constructive trinitarian response" that might mark the beginning of true
healing for self, earth and society.
The Ten Commandments
are not, the authors say, guidelines for humanity in general. No - they are a
countercultural way of lifefor a certain people to know a certain God, the God of Jesus
Christ. Their function is to produce a people who are, in our daily lives, a sign, a
signal, a witness that God has not left the world to its own devices. Hauerwas and
Willimon are at their best as they explore the overarching question : What does it mean
for us and the way we behave when we realise some of the truth about God?
