Bøger udgivet af Baker Academic

"Provides instruction as well as motivation"This book provides 90 days of guided reading and brief exercises to help current and former students retain their knowledge and skill in reading and interpreting Biblical Greek."Students can forget a great deal during the long summer between the end of Greek II and a fall semester exegetical course. This book provides an excellent remedy for the problem, combining regular daily exercises with exegetical observations and theological insights that will remind students of the value of persevering in order to actually master Biblical Greek. It incidentally sets in motion what could become a deeply enriching lifelong habit--that of spending just ten minutes each day in the Greek New Testament. The variety of styles and levels of difficulty in the reading selections prepares students well for their next course, whether it be the Johannine Letters or the Letter to the Hebrews."--David A. deSilva, Ashland Theological Seminary"Merkle's Exegetical Journeys is a well-structured resource to guide students in developing their Greek knowledge after their basic language courses are done. It emphasizes that facility in reading actual texts in Greek is the key to skilled use of the language in interpretation. With graded readings from across the New Testament--including translation helps, notes on vocabulary and syntax, and devotional reflections--the book provides instruction as well as motivation. Highly recommended!"--Buist Fanning, Dallas Theological Seminary (emeritus)"Merkle provides a 90-day guide that is perfect both for students eager to sharpen what they've learned in their classes and busy ministers intent on picking back up what they've forgotten. What's more, Merkle's five-step presentation helps bridge the growing gap between the seminary classroom and the pastor's study. I highly recommend this resource for those who want to continue on or return to their Biblical Greek journey."--Joseph R. Dodson, Denver Seminary

James Prothro offers a biblical theology of reconciliation rooted in the Old and New Testaments."In a time when the sacrament of reconciliation is much neglected, this urgently needed work beautifully shows how the forgiving love of God is an ongoing drama. Theologically perceptive and pastorally sensitive, Prothro unpacks key scriptural stories to show that the sacrament of reconciliation is a liturgical expression of how wayward but repentant people have always encountered the grace of a merciful God. Those who contemplate the insights here will find their appreciation of the sacrament renewed and deepened."--Bradley C. Gregory, The Catholic University of America"This volume richly illumines the place of the practice of the sacrament of reconciliation within the larger context of the Christian life as an ongoing process of intentional transformation in cooperation with the Holy Spirit. Roman Catholic readers will find their engagement with this practice renewed by this immersion into the larger work of God to which it contributes. Protestant readers will have to confront their long-standing prejudice that there is no scriptural warrant for the practice and, perhaps, come to a deeper appreciation for the path by which their sisters and brothers in the Catholic Church 'pursue that holiness without which no one will see the Lord.'"--David A. deSilva, Ashland Theological Seminary; author of Sacramental Life: Spiritual Formation through the Book of Common Prayer"A rarity--a book that explores the biblical inspiration and backdrop for the sacrament of reconciliation, and does so in an engaging and readable way. Prothro explores the themes of sin and forgiveness in the Scriptures and shows the reader how repentance leads to hope through God's gift of mercy and restoration. With exegetical facility and pastoral sensitivity, Prothro's book provides renewed enthusiasm for a sacrament that is often overlooked."--Laurie Brink, OP, Catholic Theological UnionPraise for the Catholic Biblical Theology of the Sacraments Series"This excellent series will help Catholics appreciate more and more both the relationship between Word and Sacrament and how the sacraments are grounded in the riches of Scripture."--Thomas D. Stegman+, SJ, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry

A concise guide to four distinct versions of Christian universal salvation--with contributions by David W. Congdon, Tom Greggs, Morwenna Ludlow, and Robin A. Parry"In this very readable, compact volume, David Congdon brings together deep thinkers to broaden our understanding of the varieties of Christian universalism, from the early church fathers to the present. The result is a highly instructive and clear-eyed analysis of one of the most important and most complicated teachings in the Christian faith."--Amy Marga, Luther Seminary"This book introduces four strong sets of arguments by thinkers who have been exploring these matters substantively over extended periods of time. Come ready to engage with the warrants and justifications for these various universalist options, and if you do, you might become a better theologian, if not a better Christian, even if you remained unconvinced about becoming a universalist in any of the ways invited to in these pages."--Amos Yong, Fuller Theological Seminary"Caricatures and misrepresentations often fuel theological debates, especially on controversial themes such as Christian universalism. These essays offer clarity on the variety of universalist theologies in response to the perennial question of Christian universalism, at a time when this debate is again having a moment and in a way that does not offer a definitive conclusion but provides the conditions for a real conversation."--Aristotle Papanikolaou, Orthodox Christian Studies Center, Fordham University "A helpful overview of four theological varieties of Christian universalism: patristic, evangelical, post-Barthian, and existential. This volume will be interesting to Christian readers in general, to students in religious studies, and especially to those in theology and ministry. It will help readers distinguish, in a broad but useful way, the theological presuppositions and developments of various accounts that are often referred to with the umbrella term 'Christian universalism.'"--Ilaria L. E. Ramelli, Stanford University; University of Cambridge

When the Art of Conversation Meets the Art of WritingThis approachable composition textbook for beginning writers argues that the key to writing well is to envision composition as an empathetic and respectful conversation."Hoover's straightforward, accessible approach encourages students to craft their own writing processes by choosing topics that interest them, being actively curious, and listening to others who are also interested (as opposed merely to 'waiting to talk' themselves). This text makes a significant contribution to first-year composition pedagogy."--Jill LeRoy-Frazier, professor of cross-disciplinary studies, East Tennessee State University"Writing well requires certain kinds of human beings to do the writing, and the kinds of human beings who write well only emerge by writing well. Hoover solves this Riddle of the Sphinx not by forsaking writing but by teaching writing, and this book returns us, her readers, to reflect on the dynamic nature and capacities and virtues of those human beings whom we teach. We who teach writing do well to heed."--Nathan P. Gilmour, professor of English, Emmanuel College"An absolute gem of a resource! In an era where divisive discord dominates the public arena and misinformation saturates the media, our nation needs citizens embracing the critical and creative skills this book encourages faculty to teach. The appendix also offers excellent additional materials to reproduce."--Linda Lawrence Hunt, emerita director of Whitworth University's Writing Program; coauthor of In the Long Run: A Study of Faculty in Three Writing-across-the-Curriculum Programs"Writing is an art, a craft, and a struggle. By reframing composition as conversation, however, Hoover directs our attention to the way it is communication and thus is most essentially a question of how we relate to people. In the process, she does something miraculous: she makes writing easier. Essential for anyone teaching writing and all of us undertaking the art, craft, and struggle of putting words on a page."--Daniel Silliman, news editor, Christianity Today

Foundations for Spirit-Filled ChristianityJerry Ireland, Paul W. Lewis, and Frank D. Macchia, series editorsThis systematic theology textbook introduces students to an ongoing conversation with many voices about the wonders of God that is faithful to Scripture but also attentive to the wisdom of tradition and the relevance of context."Macchia's scholarship is unique among systematic theologians as it straddles the best of Pentecostal theology and bears the imprimatur of the finest evangelical thought. This book is a demonstration of the sterling qualities of his scholarship suitably rendered as an introduction to theology and as an invitation to mature theologians to rethink and renew their theologies."--Nimi Wariboko, Boston University"Finally, an introduction to theology that establishes a clear vision that declaring the wonders of God in the wider praise and witness of the church can successfully combine global resources, attentiveness to Scripture and the history of Christianity, and the norms that inform and govern the theological tradition with the language of Pentecostal and Charismatic spirituality and thought!"--Wolfgang Vondey, University of Birmingham"In his Introduction to Theology, leading Pentecostal theologian Frank Macchia follows the trinitarian order of the Apostolic Creed. He pays particular attention to the third article of the confession--highlighting the Holy Spirit, ecclesiology, and eschatology. The systematic focus of the book is on the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the crown jewel of Pentecostal theology. The entire text is characterized by a strong biblical foundation and a passion for accessibility to a broad range of readers. Indeed, the book promotes theology as 'the wisdom that is gained in declaring the wonders of God.'"--Michael Welker, University of HeidelbergPraise for the Foundations for Spirit-Filled Christianity Series"The church and academy are finally ready for Foundations for Spirit-Filled Christianity, which relays the insights and perspectives of mature Pentecostal and Charismatic theologians and biblical scholars on a broad array of important theological topics, doctrinal loci, and practical realities."--Amos Yong, Fuller Theological Seminary

"A quest for truth in its deepest sense, which draws in every element of human longing and aspiration"The Augustine Way retrieves Augustine's scriptural and ecclesial approach for a healing and hopeful apologetic witness for today."To discover a great thinker of the past as an exciting and challenging contemporary is always a wonderful moment. This book--lively, honest, humane, and wide-ranging--introduces us to one of the most brilliant of all Christian writers and lets us realize just how much good news he has to give amid the muddles and longings of our age."--Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury"How refreshing it is to find apologetics in this book being recovered in its more ancient forms, such as Augustine and his philosophical forebears represented so richly: not as an imperialistic imposition, nor as a merely dispassionate assessment, but as a quest for truth in its deepest sense, which draws in every element of human longing and aspiration."--Rev. Canon Sarah Coakley, FBA, University of Cambridge (emerita)"A superb account of how one of the world's greatest classical theologians can give new depth and vitality to contemporary apologetics. This 'apologetics of retrieval' opens up some theologically rich and apologetically compelling approaches, which will be invaluable to us today as we face new cultural challenges. Essential reading for apologists!"--Alister McGrath, Oxford University"Chatraw and Allen have done Christians an immense service in retrieving the bishop of Hippo's thought for a contemporary apologetics that is robustly ecclesial, culturally responsive, intellectually rigorous, and--most beautifully of all--generously ecumenical."--John Sehorn, Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology"With keen attention to the social imaginary of late modernity, The Augustine Way enlarges our imaginations for how we might persuade others of the truth, beauty, and goodness of the gospel within our current age of anxiety."--Kristen Deede Johnson, Western Theological Seminary"I teach a whole course on what makes theology Augustinian because I believe Augustine has much to offer today's church. I therefore welcome and resonate with the thought experiment behind The Augustine Way--namely, to articulate what Augustine would likely say and do as a pastor and defender of the faith if he were alive today."--Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

"A comprehensive, well-informed, and up-to-date introduction"This book introduces a much-neglected and misunderstood assortment of Jewish writings from around the time of the New Testament. In surveying many of the most important works, Daniel Gurtner demonstrates that the pseudepigrapha are best appreciated in their own varied contexts rather than as mere "background" to early Christianity or emerging rabbinic Judaism."Since the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls it has become clear that pseudepigrapha are critical for understanding ancient Judaism and Christianity. Daniel Gurtner provides a much-needed new introduction to these writings, deftly synthesizing cutting-edge specialist research into an engaging and accessible book brimming with insights that will challenge and delight. The result is a perfect resource for teaching as well as an ideal entry point for readers interested in learning more about these fascinating but neglected writings."--Annette Yoshiko Reed, professor of religious studies, New York University"This is a comprehensive, well-informed, and up-to-date introduction to a large body of literature deriving from early Judaism. Scholars are becoming more cautious about which of the so-called Old Testament Pseudepigrapha we can be confident derive from that milieu. Gurtner rightly gives most attention to those that are generally agreed to be Jewish works from the Second Temple period, but he also discusses others that have often been treated as such so that readers may be aware of the issues of date and provenance that are still uncertain. This is a very helpful reference work, both for those who are new to this field and for those who have already engaged with this fascinating body of literature."--Richard Bauckham, emeritus professor of New Testament studies, University of St. Andrews"The collection known as the Old Testament Pseudepigrapha is an indispensable resource for appreciating developments within Second Temple Judaism and early Christianity--but where is one to begin, and what is one to look for in these texts? Gurtner's distinguished history of research in this corpus makes him a reliable guide for the uninitiated explorer. He focuses here on a judicious selection of the most influential and illuminating writings within this collection and orients the reader to what each contributes to our knowledge of the varieties of thought among, the multiform challenges addressed by, and the contributions of these writers, while also giving briefer orientations to other works throughout the larger collection. This is now perhaps the premier point of entry into these writings, which might otherwise seem inaccessible."--David A. deSilva, Trustees' Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek, Ashland Theological Seminary

Orthodoxy in the Modern WorldVigen Guroian, a leading voice of contemporary Orthodox theology, offers insight into the heart and soul of Orthodoxy."This book comes at a time when tectonic shifts in Western Culture have diminished both the visible presence and the audible voice of traditional Christian faith and practice in the public square. Even within the household of traditional Christianity, there are fractures due largely to a lack of apostolic teaching and sound apologetics. Often lost in the internal Christian conversation is the voice of Orthodox Christianity. In fact, in the West, Orthodoxy is often simply an afterthought. Guroian has achieved the standing both within his own tradition and ecumenically to be a theological advocate for the Orthodox Church who reflects what is often referenced simply as 'the mind of the Church.' This publication is a long-overdue resource for apostolic teaching and practice that will bring a grounded and time-tested treasure of what C. S. Lewis would call 'mere Christianity' to those searching for guidance in a time of rapid cultural change."--Chad Hatfield, president, St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, Yonkers, New York"This book is classic Guroian but now with the strong flavor of a highly experienced theologian looking back over a lifetime's work. The book proves the point that no one can read Guroian without learning a great deal about the philosophy of culture. His sharp analysis of modernity makes him stand out like a prophet of Orthodoxy. If you seek someone who forces you to think through your view of Christianity in the modern world, I highly recommend The Orthodox Reality."--John A. McGuckin, Columbia University"Since Guroian is an Orthodox theologian, the temptation is to say we are fortunate to have someone able to draw on the insights of that tradition for those of us in the Western tradition. But that would not do Guroian or this book justice because Guroian is a theologian of insight who should be read to understand not what an Orthodox theologian thinks but how and what Christians in these confusing times should think and live."--Stanley Hauerwas, Duke Divinity School

This sourcebook of primary texts illustrates the history of Christianity from Nicaea to St. Augustine and St. Patrick. It covers all major persons and topics in the "golden age" of Greek and Latin patristics."Professors of early Christianity will enthusiastically welcome the reprinting of these two extremely well-selected and unsurpassed collections of documents [A New Eusebius and Creeds, Councils and Controversies]. These two textbooks have long set the standard for collections of original documents illustrating the practices and thought of early Christians. It is extremely useful for those who teach this period to have these texts back in print."--Kevin Madigan, Winn Professor of Ecclesiastical History, The Divinity School, Harvard University"This collection of documents from the world of early Christianity is not only handy but also enlightening. Here one has immediate access to ancient words on Gnosticism and Arianism, baptism and persecution, and canon and controversy. Here, in the antique, one may find something rare, something lovely, something new."--D. Jeffrey Bingham, associate dean of biblical and theological studies, Wheaton College"J. Stevenson's classic two-volume compilation, A New Eusebius and Creeds, Councils and Controversies, assembles snippets from a wide range of hard-to-find materials: acts of Christian martyrs, conciliar documents, fragments from heretics and persecutors, inscriptions on coins and catacombs, snatches of gossip in scattered letters. The final result is a brilliant mosaic of early Christianity."--William Harmless, author of Augustine in His Own Words

This compassionate and carefully documented study builds a soundly scriptural view of divorce and remarriage--a view that reminds the church that all of its members are forgiven people.

"Longman's commentary . . . bravely fac[es] the question of how one ought to live boldly when one believes a good God runs the world but sometimes hides his face from us for his own reasons. This commentary is deeply profound and pastoral at certain points, bringing to bear the rich counsel of the book regarding where to find wisdom in the midst of one's suffering."--Michael Collender, Review of Biblical Literature"Forty-four reflective essays throughout the commentary expand Longman's treatment on particular theological difficulties that arise through the Job dialogue. . . . For their range of address, the insights they provide, and the message they convey, Longman's . . . essays surely lend as much value to the book as do the speech-by-speech commentaries. . . . Some scholars hold, with Longman, that Job offers no general explanation for innocent suffering. The book, he knows, is about wisdom, not theodicy. But even the many laypeople and few scholars who disagree may read, with much intellectual and spiritual profit, Longman's insightful treatment of one of Scripture's most challenging and meaningful texts."--Lael O. Ceasar, Bulletin for Biblical Research"Combine[s] interpretive insight with theological acumen to provide the church with invaluable insight into the message(s) of Job and its enduring significance. . . . Longman moves from a fresh, insightful translation of the text under investigation to a clear summary of the unit's content, literary texture, meaning, and theological implications. In so doing, he offers a rich, holistic reading of Job that combines grammatical, historical, literary, and rhetorical concerns with inter-textual, intra-textual, and theological reflections. . . . [This commentary] provide[s] seminary students, ministers, and those within the academy with an invaluable resource."--Christopher B. Ansberry, Themelios"This commentary hits the mark with its intended readership. Ministers and seminary students will find a reliable guide through Job's rich and complex poetry, and the commentary's reflective essays helpfully locate the book's themes within the larger biblical canon."--Andrew R. Davis, Catholic Biblical Quarterly"Longman has produced an important new commentary on one of the most demanding but important books that requires theological and pastoral work from the preacher."--R. Albert Mohler Jr., Preaching

"An outstanding introduction to religions of the world"This masterful survey of world religions presents a clear and concise portrait of the history, beliefs, and practices of Eastern and Western religions. The third edition has been revised throughout, with updated material on the history and contemporary configurations of each tradition and new sections addressing gender, sexuality, and the environment."This new edition of World Religions provides an accessible, engaging, and thought-provoking exploration of the role of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Chinese religions, and Japanese religions in human life and society as understood, lived, and experienced by insiders of these traditions. It invites students to think about their own values, beliefs, and practices and about those of people who authentically hold ones that are different from theirs as they prepare to find their way through the world. A masterpiece, indeed!"--Sushil Mittal, James Madison University"Robinson and Rodrigues provide a rich, nuanced introduction to world religions. This textbook includes lively and lucid text that is written in a straightforward and thought-provoking style. The text is accompanied by illuminating images and sidebars that help students work their way through difficult subject matter. This textbook is certain to be a class favorite."--Caleb Simmons, The University of Arizona"This third edition of World Religions once again delivers its concise-yet-comprehensive introduction to religious traditions. Each religion is presented through the categories of history, belief, and practice. These categories are sufficiently broad that each religion's unique features emerge to engage the reader. On the whole, the book offers a model for highly disciplined but still accessible academic writing. Students and instructors will appreciate the many supports: maps and timelines, graphic and photographic images, and lists of suggested readings. Text boxes and mini-glossaries appropriate for each chapter give convenient overviews of key texts, historical figures, symbols, concepts, and practices. An outstanding introduction to religions of the world and to the academic study of them!"--Patricia Dold, Memorial University of NewfoundlandPraise for Previous Editions"Highly recommended for first-year college courses on world religions."--Michael DeRoche, Memorial University of Newfoundland"One of the best introductory surveys of religions. Its concise and well-structured exposition minimizes technical jargon and sticks to interesting essential details."--Michael Stoeber, Regis College, University of Toronto"An invaluable introductory textbook for beginners on the subject."--John Cheong, Missiology"The approach of the book is admirable. Each religion (or group of religious traditions) is presented individually and absent any judgment regarding its validity. This allows for the religions to be understood on their own terms."--Joseph Matos, Review of Biblical Literature

Anthony Giambrone, OP, offers a biblical theology of the priesthood rooted in the Old and New Testaments."This beautifully written volume manages to pack a very sophisticated set of interpretive proposals into a book that a general theological reader can understand and enjoy. Most modern books on the priesthood either deny the linkage between the Bible and Catholic practice or smuggle in a variety of apologetic readings in an attempt to justify a predetermined position. With characteristic honesty and brilliance, Giambrone provides a much-needed alternative: an exegetically sound grounding of the office of the priesthood in the biblical tradition."--Gary A. Anderson, University of Notre Dame"This is the kind of exegesis I have been waiting for since I became a student of the sacred page. Fr. Giambrone masterfully fulfills the mandate of Dei Verbum 12, effortlessly integrating his outstanding historical scholarship into a balanced, fully canonical Christian hermeneutic. The fruit is a profoundly biblical theology of the priesthood that will illuminate exegetes, fundamental theologians, and dogmaticians alike."--Nina Heereman, St. Patrick's Seminary & University"A splendid work of unimpeachable scholarship from an international biblical scholar. Every seminarian should be given this book to prosper his grace to be a priest. Every priest should read this book to fortify his vocation. Every bishop should buy this book. Additionally, Fr. Giambrone's easy-to-read presentation of biblical themes will help Christ's lay faithful to understand the divinely ordained place that the Catholic priest occupies in the Church."--Romanus Cessario, OP, Ave Maria UniversityPraise for the Catholic Biblical Theology of the Sacraments Series"This series gives to students of the Bible a deeply enriched view of the mesh of relationships within and between biblical texts that are brought to light by the liturgy of the sacraments."--Jennifer Grillo, University of Notre Dame"This series points the way to the theological and exegetical future."--Matthew Levering, Mundelein Seminary

Students and scholars reading the secondary literature on Galatians must often negotiate specialized language and complex lines of argumentation. In addition to the theological jargon that traditionally characterizes discussion of Galatians, there is also a significant amount of rhetorical and sociohistorical terminology. This volume facilitates familiarity with the technical terminology and with issues central to the interpretation of Galatians and presents examples of the prevailing points of view as well as some recent challenges to them.ContributorsJohn M. G. BarclayRobert M. BerchmanHans Dieter BetzC. Joachim ClassenNils A. DahlJames D. G. DunnPhilip F. EslerPaula FredriksenRobert G. HallG. Walter HansenA. E. HarveyJames D. HesterRobert JewettPaul E. KoptakB. C. LateganTroy MartinJ. Louis MartynDieter MitternachtMark D. NanosJoop SmitJohan S. VosNikolaus Walter"The strong theology and the important autobiographical dates contained in Paul's Letter to the Galatians have made it a focal point in Pauline scholarship. This prompted editor Nanos to collect some key essays on some of the central issues in Galatians as a kind of handbook for students of Paul. The essays--all of them by noted scholars--are grouped under three headings: the rhetorical style and structure of the letter; the autobiographical materials in chapters 1-2 of the letter; and the situation or context that prompted the writing of the letter. The editor provides a thorough introduction that situates each essay in the present context of Pauline studies."--The Bible Today"The book is an excellent reference work and would make a good textbook for an advanced degree course on Galatians."--Religious Studies Review"Any reader who wants to become familiar with the current debate within the rhetorical features of the letter, the significance of Galatians 1 and 2, and the problems involved in identifying the situation Paul was addressing, could hardly do better than to study the essays included here."--Westminster Theological Journal"For the reader prepared to sift material from disparate angles and competing paradigms, this well-structured volume presents an efficient entrée to the critical study of Galatians."--Reformed Theological Review

"Timothy Gray is among the few scholars with the requisite mettle to analyze the role of the temple in Mark: a matter of complex importance that is often dodged. Gray's mastery of relevant scholarship, careful procedure, and exquisite balance of historical, literary, and theological considerations produce a standard investigation of its subject for the foreseeable future."--C. Clifton Black, Princeton Theological Seminary"In this elegantly written work, Tim Gray reexamines the theme of the temple in the Gospel of Mark from a narrative-critical vantage point. His well-researched work is presently the most creative and important contribution to this central Markan motif."--Frank J. Matera, The Catholic University of America"The Temple in the Gospel of Mark unites penetrating narrative analysis with close attention to intertextual links, revealing a far deeper coherence and subtlety in Mark's account of the passion than is usually perceived. Gray's work has significant implications for eschatology, ecclesiology, and christology. This study exemplifies the kind of theologically sensitive biblical scholarship that will allow study of the sacred page to once again take its place as the 'soul of theology.'"--Mary Healy, Sacred Heart Major Seminary"The Temple performs a very important function in the Gospel of Mark. Gray illuminates this function in five chapters devoted to Mk 11-15. . . . His deliberate combination of intertextual and intratextual methods produces an illuminating and very persuasive reading."--Kent E. Brower, Journal for the Study of the New Testament"Timothy Gray provides interpreters of the Gospel of Mark with a new and important investigation of the place of the Jewish temple in the narrative of the Gospel. Gray offers detailed analysis of the Old Testament background, showing the ways that the language of the Prophets clarifies Jesus' mission and his warnings of God's fast-approaching judgment upon a temple establishment that has not fulfilled its mandate. Gray's book is a must-read for students of Mark and of the place of the Jerusalem temple in early Christian thought."--Craig A. Evans, Acadia Divinity College

The study of liturgy used to mean studying what Christians did in the past and how worship traditions developed over the centuries. The focus was especially on liturgical texts. Now the spotlight is on liturgical actions--what people do in worship, how they do it, and what their actions mean. And a comparative dimension is added: no longer looking only at the Christian past, scholars now look at the global present and compare what Christians say and do in worship with analogous actions in various religious and cultural settings.New perspectives require new methods. Enter ritual studies, a discipline built on methods and insights developed by anthropologists. Foundations in Ritual Studies offers an anthropological and theological approach to the study of Christian liturgy, providing key essays for an orientation to this fruitful new approach.ContributorsRomano Guardini, Mark Searle, and John D. Witvliet on the application of ritual studies to Christian liturgiesMary Douglas and Victor Turner on the anthropological basis for ritual studiesNathan D. Mitchell, Ronald L. Grimes, and Catherine Bell on ritualMargaret Mary Kelleher on liturgical theology

This unique look at Nietzsche's continuing influence invites evangelicals to listen to Nietzsche's critique of the church and perhaps learn from it.