David L Johnston – författare

Earth, Empire and Sacred Text examines the Muslim-Christian theology of creation and humanity, aiming to construct a dialogue to enable both faiths to work together to preserve our planet, to bring justice to its most needy inhabitants, and to contribute to peace-building. Earth, Empire and Sacred Text opens with an analysis of the influential shift from the Cartesian view of the autonomous, disembodied self to a self defined in discourse, community and culture. The "career" of Q. 2:30 (Adam's God-mandated trusteeship) is then traced, from Islamic commentaries of the classical period to writings of Muslim scholars in the modern and postmodern periods. This is examined alongside the concept of human trusteeship under God in Christian and Jewish writers. The book concludes by highlighting the essential elements for a Muslim-Christian theology of human trusteeship.

This book seeks to elucidate the concept of justice, not so much as it is expressed in law courts (retributive and procedural justice) or in state budgets (distributive justice), but as primary justice - what it means and how it can be grounded in the inalienable rights that each human being possesses qua human being. It draws inspiration from two recent works of philosopher Nicolas Wolterstorff, but also from the groundbreaking Islamic initiative of 2007, the Common Word Letter addressed by 138 eminent Muslim scholars and clerics to the pope and all Christian leaders. This document affirmed that the two highest commandments in both Judaism and Christianity are also at the heart of the Islamic tradition - love of God and love of neighbor. In a style that lends itself to the classroom and beyond, the book's six chapters all begin with a case study of justice, so as to emphasize that justice must also be embodied in righteous social, political and economic practices. Along the way, leading contemporary scholars and activists from both traditions urge the reader - Muslim, Christian, or whatever - to look afresh at an age-old conundrum: how do justice and love interact so as to create a world in which everyone finds his or her rightful place?

This book seeks to elucidate the concept of justice, not so much as it is expressed in law courts (retributive and procedural justice) or in state budgets (distributive justice), but as primary justice - what it means and how it can be grounded in the inalienable rights that each human being possesses qua human being. It draws inspiration from two recent works of philosopher Nicolas Wolterstorff, but also from the groundbreaking Islamic initiative of 2007, the Common Word Letter addressed by 138 eminent Muslim scholars and clerics to the pope and all Christian leaders. This document affirmed that the two highest commandments in both Judaism and Christianity are also at the heart of the Islamic tradition - love of God and love of neighbor. In a style that lends itself to the classroom and beyond, the book's six chapters all begin with a case study of justice, so as to emphasize that justice must also be embodied in righteous social, political and economic practices. Along the way, leading contemporary scholars and activists from both traditions urge the reader - Muslim, Christian, or whatever - to look afresh at an age-old conundrum: how do justice and love interact so as to create a world in which everyone finds his or her rightful place?

This book seeks to construct a Muslim-Christian theological discourse on creation and humanity, which could help adherents of both faiths work together to preserve our planet, bring justice to its most needy inhabitants and contribute to peacebuilding in areas of conflict. Drawing from the disciplines of theology, philosophy, ethics, hermeneutics, critical theory and the social sciences, its premise is that theology is always developed in particular situations. A first part explores the global context of postmodernity (the post-Cold War world dominated by a neoliberal capitalist system) and the influential turn away from the modern Cartesian view of the autonomous, disembodied self, to a self defined in discourse, community and culture (postmodernism). A second part traces the "career" of Q. 2:30 (Adam's God-mandated trusteeship), first in Islamic commentaries in the classical period and then in the writings of Muslim scholars in the modern and postmodern periods. The concept of human trusteeship under God is also studied over time in Christian and Jewish writers.The third part, building on the previous data, draws together the essential elements for a Muslim-Christian theology of human trusteeship.

“There are two important days in your life; the day you wereborn and the day you find out why!” (Mark Twain) Why are youhere on planet earth? Once you know why you were born you willhave a new appreciation for your true self, have a known purposein life and know why you matter. Then, and only then, can youchoose a life path, a course of action and eventually a fulfilledlife... no disappointments, no pressure to conform to the ideas andexpectations of others. You will be free to be you, the real you.In the second part of this book you will learn how to discover yourENA, your Embedded Natural Abilities. How tragic that some willcross the stage of time, be standing at the exit sign, and look backonly to see a wasted life of insignificance. None of us can run a goodrace on the wrong track. “My Way,” only counts if it''s the right way.Read and apply the truths of this book and you will never be aprisoner to your past or the false notions imposed upon you byothers. Joy, satisfaction and fulfillment in life will be yours.

Ever go to a carnival and look into one of those distorted mirrors, you know,the ones that make you look three feet tall and five feet wide? The image ofyourself that you see back is distorted. It can produce a good laugh. But many of us struggle with a similar condition – we don''t see ourselves accurately. We are hindered from being the best version of ourselves, the version God intended.We are prevented by this insidious thing called iniquity. Iniquity is mentioned 334 times in the Bible, yet so many remain oblivious to its significant and negative impact on everyday living. Iniquity is the ancientterm for narcissism. It''s what turned a good angel, Lucifer, into the devil... “thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee” (Ezekiel 28:15). It''s one of the four reason Jesus went to the cross... “He was bruised for our iniquities” (Isaiah 53:5). It''s why Jesus was sent... “to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities” (Acts 3:26).As you journey through the pages of this book you will not only identify theproblems iniquity imposes upon us, but you will also discover the solutions.

Does It Feel Like Your World Is Spinning Out of Control?We live in turbulent times. Society sometimes seems like it is teetering on the brink of chaos. Too often we look towards our circumstances to bring us a sense of peace and calm. Unfortunately, you simply can''t control your surroundings and the events that happen to you. All too often they are simply beyond your control.This powerful book will give you keys to experiencing peace and staying calm no matter what may be happening to you or around you.Pastor Johnston uses Scripture to show how God can bring you true and lasting peace. For example, discover•How your words can not only speak peace to others but to your own heart and mind•The secret to cultivating a lasting peace that cannot be shaken when bad things happen•The mystical connection between your heart and your mind•The authority you have to become a “peacemaker”•How to start making better and wiser decisionsBeating back anger, resentment, bitterness and strife

Are you valuable? You are not a copy or a clone but an original, a first edition. There is no one like you. No one can ever take your place. You are so important that God Himself, wants you to be forever. Here''s the understatement of your lifetime, “You have high value.”But you need to watch out!Evil is fully intent on killing your dreams, stealing your destiny, corrupting your moral intelligence, and demonizing your life. You are a high-value target. Their sights are trained on you.In You Are a High-Value Target you will learn:• How to identify the many faces and schemes of the enemies, • The early warning signs of enemy activity,• About the areas of your life that are prime targets,• How to recognize subliminal propaganda tactics,• How to protect you and yours,• How to employ the God-given war plan to win,• How to lead others into conquering ability, and much more.

The Greatest Sermon Ever Preached!One could reasonably argue that the inaugural sermon Jesus delivered to a crowd gathered on a hillside in northern Israel, often referred to as the sermon on the mount, may be the most powerful and profound sermon ever preached! The wisdom, insight, truth and provision that Jesus shared that is chronicled in Matthew''s Gospel (chapters 5-7), is artfully unpacked for you in this rich and meaningful message.Is this a theological work – yes, but not primarily. This is a book of blessing.This book was written to provide you with a roadmap for living your life in the highest possible way. If you read and embrace the messages that Jesus delivered more than 2,000 years ago, you will be amazed at how relevant, how practical and applicable these truths are for living your best life today. Truly, the words of Jesus can become life to your soul and a beacon of guidance and comfort for living in this present day and age when we are surrounded by fears and negative forces that can so easily distract, discourage and misdirect us. May this message truly be your ultimate guide to the life God intends for you!