Topical Line Drives Series

What could possibly be wrong with social justice? We like justice. We are social beings. Should not our communities be just ones? Author Elgin Hushbeck, Jr. maintains that social justice is not justice. When we pursue social justice, it is at the expense of true justice and in its pursuit of equality, social justice threatens liberty. It is a case of setting contradictory and incompatible goals. Hushbeck examines our current pursuit of social justice and how it has failed, while looking also at the scriptures we use in that pursuit and how we have misunderstood them. While we should care about our neighbors and find ways to ease the plight of the poor, social justice's emphasis on redistribution is not only often unjust but it actually makes things worse. His prescription? Pursue justice and liberty without any adjectives.

Forgiveness is simple, but not easy. Many Christians have heard that they are forgiven, but still feel like there is a shadow cast over their lives. Others have difficulty realizing the freedom God offers through forgiveness. Using a conversational and straightforward tone, Dr. Harvey R. Brown, Jr. introduces the Christian concept of forgiveness and outlines how this powerful idea can change your life for the better. God's grace and forgiveness are not just at the moment of conversion. They should become part of your every day life as you learn to forgive family, friends, enemies, past hurts, and yourself as well.

Process theology is considered a very complex and difficult to understand system. Is it possible to get a basic grasp of what it is and how it impacts our lives and service to others? In this brief, lively, and engaging book, Dr. Bruce Epperly untangles the difficult concepts of process theology and shows how we can envision a God who is in relation to us throughout our lives here and in the next world. He believes that “God is present at the moment of our conception, guides us through the adventures of this lifetime, urging us to rejoice in embodiment and bring healing to our world, and upon our final earthly breath receives us with open arms with visions of future adventures in communion with God and our fellow creatures.” Not only is this theology easy to understand, but it also challenges us to live out God’s adventure in with joy, sharing God’s life with all of God’s creatures. This book is an excellent introduction to process theology, useful for small groups or individual study, and includes a list of resources for further study.

Is it possible for a serious New Testament scholar to accept the apostle Paul as the author of the book of Hebrews? Over the last few centuries the authorship of the book of Hebrews has been a contentious topic, but lately a strong scholarly consensus has emerged that Paul was not the author. There is no similar consensus about who did author the book; the consensus is entirely negative. Nonetheless, it takes some courage for a scholar to risk his reputation by challenging a so thoroughly assured conclusion of so many scholars. Yet this is precisely what Dr. David Alan Black has done. In this book he adapts some of his previous scholarly work for a broader audience, demonstrating both how one goes about determining the authorship of an ancient work, and also how one challenges a scholarly consensus. That is why we have chosen this volume as the inaugural volume of our Topic Line Drives series. Millions of churchgoers look to the introductions to various books in their study Bibles to answer questions of date, authorship, and background. But only those who read more than one introduction will be fully aware of the disagreements among scholars about those conclusions. How is it that scholars make a determination about authorship? Dr. Black has paid his dues in the practice of scholarship, and here he demonstrates how one challenges such a consensus. At the same time he will guide the reader through the various factors that influence a decision about the authorship of a book. We hope this book will give new life to your Bible study and will challenge you to study further, not just about this subject, but about many others. This book is for those who want to dig deeper than the notes in a study Bible and who want to understand what stands behind those conclusions.

What is it like in that church across the street? When "that church" is Roman Catholic and the person asking the question is a Protestant, this question can be very hard to answer. Do you actually know what Catholics do? Do you know what they believe? What difference does it make? Rev. Dr. Robert LaRochelle is extraordinarily well qualified to answer the question. He grew up and was educated in the Roman Catholic Church. He was ordained a deacon. Eventually he chose to move to a Protestant denomination and is now an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. But he isn't an angry ex-Catholic. In this book he will list for you the key beliefs and practices that distinguish protestants from Roman Catholics. But this book is not just a catalog of differences and similarities. Bob LaRochelle approaches this topic with a serious interest in dialog, in learning from one another, and in ecumenical outreach. This book is intended for any Christian, but it will be especially useful to parents in multi-faith households, to church congregations with an interest in Christian community, and to religious education programs. It is a companion volume to the forthcoming book What Roman Catholics Need to Know about Protestants, also by Bob LaRochelle.

Cancer. Stroke. Alzheimer's. These are just three in the list of too many diagnoses that cause the lives of the patient and their caregivers to tilt in the unexpected storm. This put me in a role in which I don't think I really have ever excelled at. I'm the big strong daddy, the strong and determined husband. I'm the intellectual, the rational, the factual person. I'm the one who thrives on logic and reasonable, predictable progression. Emotions need to be subject to the mind. Me? Give compassionate, loving, gentle care to someone dealing with a serious illness? Don't make me laugh. And yet, that is where I found myself. My choice was reduced, then, not to whether I'd be a caregiver, but more what kind of caregiver I'd be. - Robert Martin The Beatitudes from Christ's Sermon on the Mount are more than beautiful, even puzzling words. They can be your anchor when the waves roll and the winds howl.

Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper, or the Eucharist are some of the names used to signify what is arguably the center of our worship as Christians. "Although the Eucharist may stand at the center of Christian worship, there are a great variety of theologies and practices present within the Christian community. For some it is a mere memorial of Jesus' last supper with his disciples. For others it is the place where one not only encounters Jesus' spiritual presence, but consumes his true body and true blood under the signs of bread and wine. Although rooted in the practices of the early Christians, time has witnessed considerable evolution, and with evolution comes diversity of practice and belief," says author, Dr. Robert Cornwall. This newest addition to the Topical Line Drives series offers a rich but brief stimulus for us to converse about our differences in theology and practice. It is Dr. Cornwall's hope that such conversations will increase our joy in the experience of this sacrament given to us by Jesus Christ.

The book of James has gotten a bad rap amongst Christians, especially modern protestants. It's often considered not as theologically serious as the writings of Paul, nor as gracious as the gospels. For some it's too works-oriented, for others just a bit obscure. Some have even questioned whether it is truly a Christian book. Let's face it. You're much more likely to see a seminary course on Romans or Galatians than on James, or to hear a sermon, for that matter!
 
 Bruce Epperly doesn't agree with that perspective. Not only does he think James has something important to say about the way we live as 21st century Christians, just as it did for 1st century Christians, but he also doesn't think James is in opposition to Paul. He suspects the two apostles would have had no difficulty with each other's theology.
 
 In this third volume of the Topical Line Drives series, he aims to direct readers to the important message of this little book for contemporary Christians. He provides a fresh orientation and focus to understanding the message. Once you've read his thoughts you'll likely never read James in the same way again. Certainly, you won't dismiss it.

Not content to just say "no," Kevin Brown sets about to give us a positive view of godly relationships. What does the Bible suggest about the way we should go about finding a partner? How should children and young people behave? What are the responsibilities of parents? Kevin Brown believes there are positive principles we can learn from scripture. He also believes these principles will lead us to greater joy, deeper love, and a closer relationship with God. This will, in turn, bring us into a closer relationship with one another. Who knew that purity could be this much fun?

Have you ever seen a passage in the New Testament that was placed in brackets, or a footnote at the bottom of a page referring to “ancient authorities” or “manuscripts”? Most people scratch their heads and just keep reading, but these notes are very important. So is understanding why they’re even there. In this short introduction, Thomas W. Hudgins explains for the average reader the need for, criteria of, and some misconceptions associated with New Testament textual criticism.

What is it like in that church across the street? When "that church" is Protestant and the person asking the question is a Roman Catholic, this question can be very hard to answer. In this book Bob LaRochelle will list for you the key beliefs and practices that distinguish Protestants from Roman Catholics. But this book is not just a catalog of differences and similarities. He approaches this topic with a serious interest in dialog, in learning from one another, and in ecumenical outreach. This book is intended for any Christian, but it will be especially useful to parents in multi-faith households, to church congregations with an interest in Christian community, and to religious education programs.

Can the Bible speak to people in this postmodern age? Are we doomed to a choice between rigid fundamentalism and complete rejection of this foundational source for Christianity? Bob Cornwall has found that he can take the Bible seriously in his ministry, and yet avoid such controversial labels as "inerrancy" or "infallibility." Taking his vocabulary and direction from the work of Karl Barth, he charts a course toward a serious study and use of scripture that embraces historical-critical methology, but at the same time expects God to speak through the text in ways that will change our lives and minister to this postmodern age.

"What does it mean to render to Caesar what is his and render to God what is His? How a believer understands this text will, to a large degree, determine how they will approach matters of nationalism and politics as they follow Jesus." - Dr Chris Surber Matthew 22:15-22 is a passage usually seen as essentially about paying taxes. Author Chris Surber takes us deeper into Jesus' meaning as he includes the historical context and the crowd to whom Jesus was speaking.

Your mission to the world may start with simple things, such as a cup of cold water. But what are some of these simple things and how can you learn to recognize them and act? They may be: A “chance” meeting with a thirsty little girl on a back street in Haiti and God’s plan is received by the author, forever changing his life and that of his family. “And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup and of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” – Matthew 10:42 What “cup of water” is Jesus asking you to deliver? What is your mission in this world? Are you willing to obey? Will you spend your life fishing safely from the dock? Or will you step out of a boat with Jesus and walk across the water in His plan? This short Topical Line Drives volume will encourage you to recognize these opportunities and act, doing good one small thing at a time.

There is little disagreement that our world is as close to self-destruction as it has ever been, humanity included. It is unnecessary to list the wars, political conflicts, diseases, ecological disasters, and the like; we are all too familiar with a daily rehearsal of our plight. What there is little or no agreement on is the way out. How will we, as the human race, find our way out of our mutually shared predicament and into a world of wholeness and abundance that the Hebrews named shalom? Is there any wisdom available to us that can lead the way? The answer proposed here is to reconnect with the biblical notion of stewardship as a way of life.

Why do well-meaning, intelligent people disagree about the Bible? What should I do when people disagree? How can I use disagreement to help me understand the Bible more clearly? If I can't agree with someone on how to read the Bible, does it mean the end of fellowship? How many times have you had a conversation with someone that involved a disagreement over the Bible? And how many times have these conversations led to interruptions of friendships or even extended family disputes? Some of these disputes have split congregations. Even the more mild disagreements can leave us perplexed. Why is it that something so plain to one is so obviously unconvincing to others? This often leads us to search for ways to convince others through honing our interpretive skills, doing elaborate word studies, consulting scholarly commentaries and the like. In the end, however, people don't easily change their minds, and we are left to wonder why. This book differs from most in that rather than looking at how to interpret the Bible properly, we'll examine the sources of disagreement among interpreters. We all have our own ways of trying to understand the Bible and they are close to our hearts. Many of us think our way is superior to most, if not all. But we will not venture into who is right and who is wrong in our interpretations. What concerns us here is why we interpret the way we do and what our attitude should be toward those with whom we disagree.

Why should you care about the Jewish roots of Christianity? Jesus was Jewish. Most of the Bible was written by Jews and in Hebrew. Most of the early Christian leaders were Jews. Even Paul, called the Apostle to the Gentiles, would visit the synagogue first and preach there, and he wrote with great passion about his hope for his own people. Many modern Christians have forgotten about their Jewish roots. They may not formally rip pieces out of their Bibles, but much like the early Christian heretic Marcion, they act as though these portions of scripture no longer apply. They don't read them, study them, preach from them, or apply them. As a result, they often do not understand the New Testament correctly. Nancy Petrey has a passion both for the Jewish people and for calling Christians to understand their Jewish roots. In the pages of this short book, you'll get a taste of the way in which Christian history and belief has Jewish roots. You'll be blessed if you learn to recognize those roots.

A pastor says, "If you think you understand the trinity, you've probably fallen into heresy." An expert in biblical studies says, "The trinity is one of the best ways ever invented to say, 'We don't have a clue!'" Many people say the trinity is not found in the Bible, so what is it doing as a doctrine? This lively and challenging book asks you to think about the trinity, what it means, how it came to be, and what value it might have in Christian conversation today. If you don't want to have your thinking challenged, or you'd rather just go on saying, "I believe in the trinity," without knowing what you're saying, then definitely stay away from this book! To the rest of you, "Enjoy!"

You've been a lectionary preacher throughout your ministry. You like the discipline of dealing with the scripture of the week rather than just grabbing something that is easy for you to handle. You're willing to preach on the hard stuff. But what about the rest of scripture, those passages that never appear in the weekly readings from the Revised Common Lectionary? Are you and your congregation missing something that could be of great benefit? Dr. David Ackerman, who writes the introduction to From Words of Woe to Unbelievable News, felt the need to cover more of scripture and proposed a fourth year lectionary that covered passages that are not included in the Revised Common Lectinoary. In turn, Dr. Bob Cornwall, a pastor highly qualified for the task, chose to use these texts in a series of sermons for Lent and Holy Week. He preached those sermons in 2014. We now offer these sermons in this Topical Line Drives volume. One of the stumbling blocks with new ideas is the question of how one gets started. It's sometimes hard to find just the approach to take to a new set of texts and a new set of ideas. Bob Cornwall leads the way, finding timely and powerful applications of these difficult texts. Besides being a resource for pastors, these sermons provide meditations that can be used as the basis for a Lenten study or for small groups.

What if someone you thought you knew very well started behaving strangely? What would you do? Now suppose the person acting strange was — God? Jonah thought he knew God. In fact, he was a prophet. He knew he heard God’s voice. Life might have its difficulties, but no matter what happened, he could count on his God. Then one day God started saying things he couldn’t possibly mean. What would you do if God commanded you to do something you knew couldn't possibly be done? What if God commanded you to do something you definitely did not want to do? How would you preach if you hoped people wouldn't listen? Jonah faced these problems. In his story, many of us can find answers to those times when it's hard to discern the right path. This book is suitable as a guide to studying the book of Jonah, whether as an individual or a small group. It could also be a guide for a challenging sermon series.

All of humanity lives with the certainty of death. In this world we do not live forever. But what happens afterward? Is there something beyond the grave? How should we react to the loss of loved ones, whether through an untimely accident or old age? With one foot in the world of theological reflection and the other in the untidy nature of daily life and of spirituality in action, Dr. Bruce Epperly embraces hope while recognizing fear, adventure even in lives touched by regret, and confidence in the face of uncertainty to help us explore the possibilities a loving God has placed before us. We can grieve our loss while looking forward with joy. We can acknowledge what we don't know, while expecting more than we are able to imagine. If you've ever wondered what happens next, this is the book for you.

Climate Change has become a major topic of debate in today’s politics, with some advocating serious changes in policy in response to it, and others suggesting that scientists and politicians are misreading, misrepresenting, and misapplying the data. Elgin Hushbeck, Jr. is not afraid to challenge scientific orthodoxy, and in fact believes it is very important that we do so. In this little book, he gives an introduction to a number of problems that he and others see with the apparent consensus view on this topic. His intention is to use this one case as a model for how we need to handle scientific data and dissent from consensus opinions in order to preserve the integrity of the scientific process. Is important data being ignored? Is it being interpreted to fit an existing view? How should we respond as a society? You’ll have a chance to examine some of these questions in the pages of this book.

What one believes about God shapes how one worships, prays, thinks, and lives. Dr. Bruce Epperly, who provided a very short introduction to process theology in Process Theology: Embracing Adventure with God, now provides a short and succinct guide to spiritual practices for those who want to embrace and live the adventurous spiritual life. From times of worship, to prayer, to solitude, and even to study, he provides a guide to living with a God who is deeply and intimately involved in our lives. Holiness and spirituality are not about being other-worldly. Rather, they are about being even more in the here and now than any of us may have thought possible. With exercises, affirmations, and a variety of spiritual practices explained and theologically grounded, this book is a valuable resource for small group study as well as for individual reading.

Prayer is the one essential of the Christian life. In fact, David Moffett-Moore maintains, it is an essential of life itself, as essential to us as spiritual beings as breathing is to us physically. Prayer can be found in any of our activities. It is not something we need to learn, but something we need to remember from childhood. Yet our prayers can mature, and we can be more aware of the presence of God in every place and every moment. The purpose of this book is to help you become more aware.

Can one be both an existentialist and a Christian? Existentialism is a philosophical school of thought unique in being based on feeling and experience rather than on the traditional foundations of philosophy. Many of its proponents have been atheists or can be considered opponents of religion. With this history, can there be such a thing as a Christian existentialism? Dr. David Moffett-Moore believes there can be. In this book he outlines the basics of existentialist thought and a path to a Christian existentialist viewpoint. This book is short, but challenging. It provides a starting point for an extended discussion.

In Christianity: The Basics, Elgin Hushbeck presents the basic doctrines that have defined orthodox Christianity down through the ages, giving a basic defense for this core of the Christian Faith. He also addresses questions such as can we really know and understand what the Bible teaches; isn’t it all just a matter of interpretation; and what do we mean when we say someone is, or is not, a Christian? This is a serious study, but is written in language that anyone can understand. It is suitable for use in classes in basic Christianity as well as for those who want to refresh their memory about the basics and prepare to share their faith intelligently and with grace.

How does one read the literature of a patriarchal society in a 21st century context? Where can one find good role models for girls and women in the Bible? All too often these questions are answered by presenting the answers given by patriarchal society and not by looking for liberating, examples. It is all too easy to let God's message of setting the captives free ring forth, but directed to a limited audience. But Ruth and Esther provide strong counter-examples of women who had to struggle against the cultural norms in order to live and to do great things for their people. All too often these women are excluded from our studies or when included are portrayed as subordinate people. But Dr. Bruce Epperly, pastor, father, grandfather, and theology sees them as women of agency and adventure, resourceful and proactive women in patriarchal cultures. But despite being subject to the apparently arbitrary decisions of males with authority, both women were agents in their destiny fulfilling their vocations in their particular culture. If you are a Christian pastor or teacher, you owe it to those in your circle of influence to let them experience these two Bible books in new ways, to see them as liberating documents that let everyone know that God doesn't exclude them. From these women of agency and adventure, those who find themselves excluded from power can find encouragement to stand up and be the persons of agency and adventure that God created them to be, no matter what restrictions others have placed upon them.

Get ready for another adventure in process theology. Theology can transform your ministry and process theology provides a spiritual GPS to help us navigate the complexities of twenty-first century ministry and congregational life. Process theology reminds us that the physical, geographical, and spiritual limitations we experience are the womb of possibilities. In the concreteness of our ministries, we discover God’s vision for ourselves and our congregations. This text invites us to claim our pastoral role as shamans of the spirit, wise preachers, healing companions, and prophetic witnesses. Written by an experienced theologian, pastor, and spiritual guide, this brief text provides a flexible and open-ended vision for 21st century ministry in our postmodern, pluralistic, and post-Christian world.

Christian apologetics suffers from a reputation for loud arguments, canned answers, and a fascination with technical details. Some Christians avoid apologetics because they are either concerned about offending people, or because they are afraid they will be unable to answer technical questions. These concerns and fears are unnecessary. Elgin Hushbeck, Jr., unapologetic Christian apologist points the way toward a Christian witness that is positive, and is possible for everyone. In fact, Hushbeck maintains, all Christians testify to their faith, simply by bearing the name "Christian" and living. By emphasizing listening, respect, and most importantly, a realization that the fruit of our endeavors are God's responsibility, he invites all of us to apologetics that is centered in our own testimony and in building genuine relationships. This is a short but powerful book. It will help you approach your witness without fear or worry. Anyone can read the book quickly. It won't give you all the answers, but it will reassure you that you don't need all the answers. Nobody else has all the answers either. But what you can do is pursue conversations and depend on relationships within the church to help you. "I don't know," is a valid answer. This is a book for every Christian, but it will be especially helpful to those who teach in the church. Have a few copies on hand, and when people ask you how they can be a witness, hand them a copy. It's a short read, but it can change forever how each person carries out the gospel commission.

At Easter, major magazines and blogs will publish articles claiming to tell us who Jesus was. Every few weeks we see a new book making similar claims. Is it possible to know? In Who Is Jesus?, Allan Bevere addresses this question from the point of view of a person of faith who takes seriously the gospels and early Christian tradition as documentation of events and of serious theological reflection on those events. According to Bevere, Christian theology was neither an invention, nor a set of random speculations unrelated to reality. Rather, they were the response of early Christianity to the experience of Jesus and the historical pictures as presented in the canonical gospels. From a discussion of the Old Testament record piecing together the puzzle of biblical messianic prophecy through illumination of the christological controversies of the first five centuries of Christian history, and then back to the four portraits of Jesus given to us in the canonical gospels, this book provides a clear description of how orthodox Christian scholarship can bring together the varied evidence in order to present a coherent theological picture of the Jesus of history. As Bevere contends, history and theology are not easily separated, but are two threads that create an interwoven tapestry in which events have meaning. This book is good for individual reading, or could easily provide readings and an outline for a small group study.