Continuously in print for over 30 years, and available in many different languages, John Drane's Introducing the Old Testament has long been recognized as an authoritative and accessible survey of the subject. This new edition has been fully revised and updated with fresh material on a range of topics, especially the political and cultural context that influenced the compilation of its books and the development of the faith of ancient Israel and Judah. Specific issues that will be of particular interest to students are highlighted in special boxed feature sections, along with an extensive glossary of technical terms and key maps and diagrams. This book is the ideal starting point for readers who wish to explore the Old Testament and its world in the light of recent scholarship, and its relevance to life in the twenty-first century.
The authors of the 66 books of the Bible reflect the social, cultural and religious contexts in which they lived. Understanding these contexts can greatly enrich and deepen our appreciation of the Bible's meaning and message. In this splendid book, John Drane provides an unparalleled survey of the many different worlds which helped to forge the pages of the Bible. He ranges over thousands of years from the earliest hunter-gatherers to the Roman world in Jesus' day. Areas covered include courtly and military structures, home life, social and economic relationships and ritual and cultural practices. This book will enable the reader to approach the Bible with fresh insight, understanding and appreciation.
After a century or more of convincing ourselves that intelligent people should be 'secular', it is now trendy to be 'spiritual.' Why the sudden change? And what do we mean by being 'spiritual'? John Drane presents a whirlwind tour of the phenomenon of cultural change as it is being experienced in the West, identifying the challenges and opportunities this presents to the Christian church. He examines the question of whether human beings are intrinsically programmed to be 'spiritual,' offers theological reflection on the 'New Age' phenomenon, and focuses on how the Christian community can connect with spiritual seekers in today's world.
Continuously in print for over 30 years, and available in many different languages, John Drane's Introducing the New Testament has long been recognized as an authoritative and accessible survey of the subject. This new edition has been fully revised and updated with fresh material on the many political contexts in which the early church flourished, along with new insights into the writing and reception of written texts in what was essentially an oral culture. Specific issues that will be of particular interest to students are highlighted in special boxed feature sections, along with an extensive glossary of technical terms and key maps and diagrams. This book is the ideal starting point for readers who wish to explore the New Testament and its world in the light of recent scholarship, and its relevance to life in the twenty-first century.
Jesus of Nazareth - a truly unique and fascinating figure whose story remains one of the most enduring of all time. No one can deny the profound impact that this one individual has had on world history - and that he continues to have on millions of people." "Son of Man: A New Life of Christ is a timely book for the end of the twentieth century. Never before has Western culture shown so much open interest in spirituality, and alongside the rise of New Age thinking has come renewed interest in the intriguing person of Jesus." "What is the truth about Jesus? What was he really like? What was his teaching? And what was he asking of the rest of us? Can we trust what the Bible says about him? And even if we can, how can we begin to assess it all for ourselves?" "These questions - and others like them - are all addressed in Son of Man. Writing in a readable style, John Drane takes full account of the new understandings that have been emerging in recent theological scholarship, especially regarding the world in which Jesus lived and his relationship to the Jewish faith of his day. In a word, Drane offers here a clear presentation of the life of Jesus against the backdrop of his times." "Drane's narrative is enhanced throughout by numerous illustrations, including helpful charts and maps and striking color photographs by Sonia Halliday. The words and pictures here combine to make this book an informative, beautiful work."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved
As a result of Fresh Expressions/Emerging church and other mission initiatives, the term 'church' now covers an incredible variety of formal and informal congregations and networks - a dramatic shift from earlier understandings. Such change ushers in numerous practical and theological questions - when does an occasional gathering of a group of people in a café, bar, club, sports centre, or via the internet actually become a church? What characterizes a missional church? Is it different in essence and from a traditional church? This volume, the first in a series that will explore the spirituality and ecclesiology of new church communities, looks at the defining characteristics of fresh expressions of church. As the emergent church movement matures, these are essential questions that leaders in new and established churches alike need to be asking.
Looking through the eyes of a child is not a twee, cosy or easy experience. It can be unsettling, uncomfortable, edgy...' - from the Introduction Who has the right to 'do' theology? Only academics? Only adults? Or do we all have a voice in the kingdom of God? Through the Eyes of a Child considers 14 key theological themes from one of the most neglected of perspectives - that of children. Honouring Jesus' command to place the child at the centre, theologians, psychologists and educationalists take us from our comfort zone to look afresh at some of the most grave, difficult and beautiful topics in Christian theology. Challenging conventional readings of theology, this landmark work will fascinate and challenge anyone who cares about children and their place in the world and the church.
A theology which comes pre-packaged, and in which there are no loose ends, is not true to life nor can it adequately reflect the richness of the Gospel." Why are churches struggling to maintain credibility in a culture in which there are more spiritual seekers than at any time in living memory? John Drane believes that churches have become stereotyped structures, offering uninventive formulaic worship to a dwindling minority. But there are exciting opportunities for growth, he argues, if only churches will rediscover their own creativity and flexibility. If only they will offer something more nourishing for post-modern spiritual appetites than the equivalent of fast food.
John Drane believes that the Churches have become stereotyped structures offering uninventive pre-packaged worship to a dwindling minority. But there are exciting opportunities for growth, he argues – if only they can rediscover their creativity and flexibility.
One of the most creative thinkers in evangelicalism today, John Drane explores how we can create a spirituality that is Christ-centered yet vital, relevant, and attractive to people who are searching everywhere but in the church for a spiritual dimension. John Drane is director of the Centre for the Study of Christianity and Contemporary Society at the University of Sterling in California.
Presents a history of the early Christian church beginning with Peter's evangelistic speech on Pentecost and including information about the epistles and activities of the first missionaries.
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