English teachers Knol and Karsten have composed these moving reflections inspired by a wide range of writers, many of whom they have brought into their classrooms. And while some of their selections will no doubt be familiar to the reader, each of these meditations will kindle new insights. Attuned to the power of the written word, these seasoned teachers contemplate sacred themes, exploring passages from books that they love in light of passages from Scripture.
“We are not worth more, they are not worth less.” This is the mantra of S. Brian Willson and the theme that runs throughout his compelling psycho-historical memoir. Willson’s story begins in small-town, rural America, where he grew up as a “Commie-hating, baseball-loving Baptist,” moves through life-changing experiences in Viet Nam, Nicaragua and elsewhere, and culminates with his commitment to a localized, sustainable lifestyle. In telling his story, Willson provides numerous examples of the types of personal, risk-taking, nonviolent actions he and others have taken in attempts to educate and effect political change: tax refusal—which requires simplification of one’s lifestyle; fasting—done publicly in strategic political and/or therapeutic spiritual contexts; and obstruction tactics—strategically placing one’s body in the way of “business as usual.” It was such actions that thrust Brian Willson into the public eye in the mid-’80s, first as a participant in a high-profile, water-only “Veterans Fast for Life” against the Contra war being waged by his government in Nicaragua. Then, on a fateful day in September 1987, the world watched in horror as Willson was run over by a U.S. government munitions train during a nonviolent blocking action in which he expected to be removed from the tracks and arrested. Losing his legs only strengthened Willson’s identity with millions of unnamed victims of U.S. policy around the world. He provides details of his travels to countries in Latin America and the Middle East and bears witness to the harm done to poor people as well as to the environment by the steamroller of U.S. imperialism. These heart-rending accounts are offered side by side with inspirational stories of nonviolent struggle and the survival of resilient communities Willson’s expanding consciousness also uncovers injustices within his own country, including insights gained through his study and service within the U.S. criminal justice system and personal experiences addressing racial injustices. He discusses coming to terms with his identity as a Viet Nam veteran and the subsequent service he provides to others as director of a veterans outreach center in New England. He draws much inspiration from friends he encounters along the way as he finds himself continually drawn to the path leading to a simpler life that seeks to “do no harm.&rdquo Throughout his personal journey Willson struggles with the question, “Why was it so easy for me, a ’good’ man, to follow orders to travel 9,000 miles from home to participate in killing people who clearly were not a threat to me or any of my fellow citizens?” He eventually comes to the realization that the “American Way of Life” is AWOL from humanity, and that the only way to recover our humanity is by changing our consciousness, one individual at a time, while striving for collective cultural changes toward “less and local.” Thus, Willson offers up his personal story as a metaphorical map for anyone who feels the need to be liberated from the American Way of Life—a guidebook for anyone called by conscience to question continued obedience to vertical power structures while longing to reconnect with the human archetypes of cooperation, equity, mutual respect and empathy.
How does Jesus, and the ancient Scriptures he held sacred, help us get our bearings in this multifarious, complicated, conflicted, and increasingly endangered planet? First, seek theological insight that can guide our practice. In Navigating the Meanings of Being a Christian, Mark Deleaney invites us on his journey of theological reflection twenty years after his certainties were shaken by a life-changing encounter in an Indian slum. In Evangelism in a Pluralist Society, Ross Farley applies his experience of evangelism in sensitive contexts to a careful review of evangelism in the New Testament and finds that what we call evangelism bears little relationship to the Gospel and Acts. On the subject of HIV epidemics, Greg Manning and Dave Andrews have joined the struggle to reduce HIV infection rates and witnessed the stigmatization of vulnerable people based on misapplied Christian moral teaching. In Supporting HIV Prevention as People of Faith, they consider the Sermon on the Mount as a valuable framework for dealing sensitively and effectively with people vulnerable to HIV infection. Second, critically reflect on possible distortions that come from our own perspectives. In his essay Liberation Theologians Speak to Evangelicals, Charles Ringma shows how Liberation Theologians can shed light on the inadequacies of the evangelical movement in its perspective on God's love for the poor. Helen Beazley's essay Antidote for a Poisoned Planet? examines whether stewardship--the dominant framework informing evangelical perspectives on the environment--can alone radically reorient Christians in their relationship to creation so necessary for its renewal. Third, look for the challenges in the Bible that critique our current orientations and call us to be reconverted. In An Evangelical Approach to Interfaith Engagement, Dave Andrews takes one of our most precious articles of exclusive faith, Jesus is the Way, and makes it a framework for inclusive interfaith dialogue by exploring the Way that Jesus in the Gospels advocated engaging with people from other traditions and religions. In Australia--Whose Land? Peter Adams allows himself to be utterly transformed by the Bible's clear ethical teaching, which, he convincingly argues, must be applied in all its fullness to the injustice of Europeans towards indigenous Australians.
This is a six-week small group discussion guide for the Brian Zahnd book, Unconditional? It provides material and instruction for studying Unconditional? is a small group setting. Each week readers will prepare at home by reading the chapter from Unconditional? that corresponds with the week's study. Each week's study is broken into five sections. They are all key parts of learning to practice Christ's radical vision of forgiveness. The READ sections of each chapter explain what to read at home, and they give a brief summary of the main parts in those chapters. The REFLECT sections are intended to get you into the Word so you can study the topic before the discussion begins. That way everyone will have had time to think deeply about these concepts before talking them over with the group. The DISCUSS sections are just that--questions for you to discuss and explore together as a group. Ideas for continuing the application of the important truths in each chapter will be found in the WRAP UP section at the end of each chapter. Each chapter ends with a POWER WORD, motivating readers to write God's Words on your heart, and to grow in your knowledge and understanding of Christlike forgiveness.
I was recently in a brainstorming session with market research and R&D managers at a Fortune 50 client. The marketing manager turns to the R&D technical lead and asks, “can you give me a list of all possible technologies out there?” She was speaking the language of high level summary of the universe of possibilities. The technical lead, on the other hand, translated it as “give me information on the technologies we are capable of delivering in the near future.” Simple miscommunication? Little business impact? Not if you’re trying to stretch the innovation possibilities and the R&D lead disqualifi es longer term technologies because they’re not ready now. That’s one reason why innovation at some companies looks like the same old stuff re-packaged.
Have you ever felt like you were being punished for doing good? Have you suffered setbacks even though you have stepped up and taken over in uncertain and shaky situations? Or maybe you have been passed up on promotions because of forces of darkness that you didn't even know were against you? Have you been "persecuted for righteousness' sake"? Trust the Process can help you navigate some of life's challenges. What I have learned and am still learning is sometimes what God has for you is bigger than the place that you are in. What you are going through isn't fair, and it seems like around every corner the enemy is trying to make you give up. The dream God has placed in you is too big; the vision just seems to be so far out of reach because of your current situation. Your dreams and visions require resources that physically seem impossible, and your soul is in anguish because it feels like you have been believing in a move of God for a lifetime. Trust the Process will shine some light in these uncertain and trying times.
What are your values? What impact do they have on your personal growth, your family life, your professional life? 'The Genesis Effect is' a groundbreaking exploration of the relationship between values and growth. Bringing twenty years of research to his subject, Dr. Brian P. Hall shows how human, spiritual, and institutional growth are interconnected and form a dynamic whole. The author explains how values develop when a person's internal images and ideas interact with the external world. The Genesis Effect is the growth that takes place when these values create transformations in ourselves, in others, and in the organizations we belong to.
There are people in real need around us every day. Burn helps young Christians express compassion at school, at home, at work, and anywhere else they go. They learn about the scriptural mandate for radical compassion-and are encouraged to become aware of those who are truly in need: physically, emotionally, or spiritually. The fresh, youth-oriented text features examples of contemporary young people who are living out biblical compassion. Study questions for individuals or small groups are included. Targeted to males and females ages thirteen through twenty-five, Burn is an inspiring guide for those who want to make a real difference in people's lives.
The troubles and ills of the church today can only be understood and healed when Christians begin to face up to their hidden alliances with the Corinthians of the first century and embrace both the Apostle’s diagnosis and therapy offered in the epistle. This is the challenge of The Malady and Therapy of the Christian Body, a two-volume commentary by two leading theologians that presents the fruits of a reading strategy that deliberately reflects ecclesial commitment by “reading the Apostle over against ourselves.” Sharing their discoveries about the way Paul deals with questions of factionalism, sexuality, legal conflict, idolatry, dress codes, and eating habits, Brock and Wannenwetsch demonstrate how neither the malady nor the therapy that Paul describes conforms to dominant analyses of the malaise of the contemporary church, which tend to be as “organ centered” as modern medicine. The authors describe the way the Apostle engages in “feeling-into” the organic whole of the body in order to detect blockages to the healthy flow of powers by redirecting their vision to how God is working among them toward the “building up” of the Christian body. The book breaks new ground in crossing the traditional disciplinary boundaries between biblical studies, systematic theology, and theological ethics.
This book is a bringing together of many aspects of the experiences of my Christian journey. As time has unfolded, there have been many occasions where I have felt a subtle yet strong tug on my heart and mind to put down on paper what has been presented to me by the Holy Spirit. All of these one to two page essays have foundations in daily life and through contact with people, places, animals, and things. I hope that through these writings the reader can develop a deeper sense of faith in our Jesus. I also wish for the reader to gain a sense of hope for the future promise of eternal life.
All of my life my heart has sought a thing I cannot name. Many people feel there is something missing in their life and they don't know exactly what it is. They have money, a good job, friends, and pleasurable pursuits, yet they feel there must be something more. They have obtained most of their worldly needs and wants but have neglected their spiritual needs where only true peace & joy are to be found. This book presents a clear path to finding that true joy and peace in your heart with seven proven steps which will help you achieve both. There is hope for everyone and this book can help you find what you have always been looking for, then it will have served its purpose.
Brian Bockmon, full time minister for Jesus, challenges the reader to see street kids and gang members just as Jesus sees them - hurting people looking for an answer. Not a 'how to' manual at all, but a call to ministry for all of God's people.
Inside this book, you will find more than just poetry. You will find another point of view from my own perspective of life and death. As I have heard before, death is only the beginning. So why do people fear death? Are we that afraid to trust in Jesus, or is it that we dont like new beginnings? Writing this book is my testament of the faith that I have in God. Jesus still wants me to live to tell my whole story. He is continuing to live within me, and I will never give up on my life until He wants me to come home and complete the final chapter of my living on this earth. My reward is in heaven, not here on earth.
The Sheep Gate attempts to explain exactly what Christianity and Christian life are truly about through the use of analogies. The purpose of the book is to help people find a closer relationship with God and to help people get through this life with Gods guiding hand helping them find peace in this life. This book is meant to be easy to understand and easy to read with the hope that readers might have a closer relationship with Christ.
In Tilt: Finding Christ in Culture, Brian Nixon takes the reader on a voyage of discovery, traveling the currents of God's presence in culture, summed up in four streams that define a noun: people, places, things, and ideas. In his journey, Nixon touches upon people as diverse as Andy Warhol, Cormac McCarthy, Robert Redford, and Georgia O'Keeffe; places such as Canterbury, England, and Las Vegas, Nevada; things as unique as typewriters, trains, and abstract art; and ideas as fascinating as mathematics and beauty. In these short impressionistic pieces, Nixon, with the curiosity of a journalist, elicits intelligent discussion and poetic articulations, prompting a head tilt from those who join him on a theo-cultural expedition.
After serving in the Vietnam War, S. Brian Willson became a radical, nonviolent peace protester and pacifist, and this memoir details the drastic governmental and social change he has spent his life fighting for. Chronicling his personal struggle with a government he believes to be unjust, Willson sheds light on the various incarnations of his protests of the U.S. government, including the refusal to pay taxes, public fasting, and, most famously, public obstruction. On September 1, 1987, Willson was run over by a U.S. government munitions train during a nonviolent blocking action in which he expected to be removed from the tracks. Providing a full look into the tragic event, Willson, who lost his legs in the incident, discusses how the subsequent publicity propelled his cause toward the national consciousness. Now, 23 years later, Willson tells his story of social injustice, nonviolent struggle, and the so-called American way of life.
Bearin's: The Book " by Brian Robbins is a collection of columns written for "Commercial Fisheries News" over the past 20 years. These author selected columns are the best of Robbins' unique blend of humor, wry observations, and personal reflections on life. Originally written for a commercial fishing audience, these columns encompass characters, situations, and themes that are bound to resonate with all readers. He'll make you laugh, maybe even shed a tear, and definitely leave you wanting more.Bearin's (bar'ins)-When you're on the water, the act of figuring out where you are and what's going on is known as "getting your bearings." The same applies to life itself. In the Northeast, we often don't fuss around with the letter "g" at the ends of our words. Therefore, we have the title "Bearin's".Reviews:"I invite you to put your hand on the cover of this book, close your eyes and see if you can feel its heart beating. If you do, then try laughing a bit, too. Now you're in the spirit of Brian Robbins, telling his tales that will make you laugh so hard you'll have to lay down on the couch, but eventually he'll also get you right where it counts as you feel his spirit in the depths of your heart." Randy Olson, Ph.D. (a.k.a. "Doc Urchin"); scientist-turned-filmmaker; author of Don't Be Such a Scientist: Talking Substance in an Age of Style"Brian Robbins' tales are hysterically accurate, showing great humor in the mishaps and misadventures of dockside denizens." Crash Barry; author of Sex, Drugs and Blueberries and Matinicus: True Stories from Maine's Toughest Island
The Ultimate Heart-ConnectionIn a World Full of RejectionBack in 1981, the real life story of a Commoner in the United Kingdom rose to global notoriety from the announcement of her engagement to royalty. This young lady born into an old, aristocratic English family exchanged her former identity for royal connections... only to get rejected. Who am I speaking of? Lady Diana, Princess of Wales. This popular international media icon of the late 20th century captured my attention along with a global audience of over 750 million people on her wedding day. I was captivated by her story as an example of an exchanged identity. However, since then, I discovered there is a greater exchange offered by the Life Exchanger to every common person for the highest status of royalty in the Heavenly Kingdom.Welcome to a common story with a royal ending. This compelling allegory will walk you through some powerful and significant principles illustrating how to live the abundant, victorious, royal life. Understanding who you are will take you to a deeper place you may not have ever discovered. Take a dive plunging heart first into the deep end of the freedom pool. There, you will learn how Life Exchanger lives through you the good work He began in you.Brian E. Irwin is the author of "Connected Hearts" and has been in pastoral-care ministry for over 20 years. He served on church staff in youth and pastoral counseling to families for several years. He's been serving in the greater Knoxville area of Tennessee since 1996. He received his B.A. degree in Biblical Studies and Psychology from Missouri Baptist University and an M.A. degree in Biblical Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary. In addition to writing, he and his wife, Sherri, speak at conferences and retreats. They love four-wheeling, fishing, and hiking up in the Smoky Mountains.
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