Stephen W. Need – författare

The Gospels Today discusses and challenges popular interpretations of familiar gospel texts and themes and quickly presents overviews of important controversies and debates. Does it matter whether Jesus was born in Bethlehem, or that he is understood as a prophet? What do the expressions "Son of Man" and "Son of God" really mean? Is there more to Jesus'' words about the Bread of Life than meets the eye? How differently might we understand the stilling of the storm if we considered it as having to do with ancient near eastern creation myths rather than an account of a miracle? Throughout, we are invited by Need to join scholars in the stimulating and constructive work of learning how to critique familiar interpretations of the Bible.

Paul Today discusses and challenges popular interpretations of familiar Pauline texts in view of important controversies and debates. Who was Paul? What do we know about his relationship to Jesus? What was the role of the city of Ephesus? Can Paul''s attitudes towards marriage and slavery be redeemed? And what of Paul''s attitude to women and their ministry, and to homosexuality? Do we appropriately attribute to Paul ideas about justification and faith? Or is there more to know than meets the eye? Throughout, Need debates and reframes familiar interpretations of Paul through challenge and critique informed by both scholarship and pastoral experience. These essays make constructive, critical approaches to Paul available to a wider circle of interested readers.

Paul Today discusses and challenges popular interpretations of familiar Pauline texts in view of important controversies and debates. Who was Paul? What do we know about his relationship to Jesus? What was the role of the city of Ephesus? Can Paul's attitudes towards marriage and slavery be redeemed? And what of Paul's attitude to women and their ministry, and to homosexuality? Do we appropriately attribute to Paul ideas about justification and faith? Or is there more to know than meets the eye? Throughout, Need debates and reframes familiar interpretations of Paul through challenge and critique informed by both scholarship and pastoral experience. These essays make constructive, critical approaches to Paul available to a wider circle of interested readers.

The Gospels Today discusses and challenges popular interpretations of familiar gospel texts and themes and quickly presents overviews of important controversies and debates. Does it matter whether Jesus was born in Bethlehem, or that he is understood as a prophet? What do the expressions "Son of Man" and "Son of God" really mean? Is there more to Jesus' words about the Bread of Life than meets the eye? How differently might we understand the stilling of the storm if we considered it as having to do with ancient near eastern creation myths rather than an account of a miracle? Throughout, we are invited by Need to join scholars in the stimulating and constructive work of learning how to critique familiar interpretations of the Bible.

Desperate for new ideas to inspire sermons, Bible studies, or private meditation? Here's the book for you. Living Faith: Through the Church's Year offers fifty-two lively reflections for group or individual use, including resources for further study. Part One leads you through the seasons of the church's year from Advent to Trinity. Starting with the Big Bang, you're taken to Bethlehem for Christmas and into the desert for Lent. Christmas cribs, Easter gardens, and a large crucifix illustrate some of the most important Christian festivals. Bible texts, literature, architecture, poetry, and music all help fill out the picture. Part Two takes you into some crucial aspects of being a Christian. Jesus's question to his disciples at Caesarea Philippi ("e;Who do you say that I am?"e;) helps you think about some important Gospel stories such as the stilling of the storm and the Samaritan woman. Key saints, such as Francis, Benedict, and Dominic, appear, as do C. S. Lewis, J. S. Bach, Mother Teresa, Simon and Garfunkel, and Paddington Bear! A sumptuous feast of exploration and insight, Living Faith is an exciting and stimulating adventure in Christian life--a must for anyone taking the journey of faith seriously.