Annotations are listed alphabetically and divided into the following categories:
The Church in a Global Context
Bailey, Mark and Tom Constable. The New Testament Explorer: Discovering the Essence, Background, and Meaning of Every Book in the New Testament. Nashville: Word Publishing, 1999. 691 pp.
A scholarly, though not particularly critical, description and exposition of each book of the New Testament. Contains a short bibliography for each book. ph
Brensinger, Terry. Judges. Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 1999. 262 pp.
This book is part of the Believers’ Church Bible Commentary series, edited by Elmer A. Martens and Willard M. Swartley. The author traces the pattern of Israel’s disobeying its covenant with God which is prevalent in the book of Judges. The author then makes practical applications of this understanding of Judges to contemporary issues such as religious unfaithfulness, the nature of community, the roles and responsibilities of leaders, and war and violence. bb
Janzen, Waldemar. Exodus. Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 2000. 496 pp.
The author of this commentary combines some insights of critical scholarship with confessional theology. He divides his discussion into four parts: the salvation of Moses; the commissioning of Moses; the salvation of Israel; and the commissioning of Israel. This book is part of the Believers’ Church Bible Commentary series, edited by Elmer A. Martens and Willard M. Swartley. bb
MacArthur, John, author and general editor. The MacArthur Topical Bible (NKJV). Nashville: Word, 1999. 1,592 pp.
This volume is intended to supplement The MacArthur Study Bible (1997). It is based on the New Topical Textbook and contains entries from "Aaron" to "Zebulun." Under each topic, the author has selected biblical passages, including the full text of the passage, most relevant to that topic. The editor summarizes his theological assumptions as follows: "In truth the Bible is actually one book written by one Divine Author, although it was written over a period of 1,500 years by almost 40 human writers. During that time God progressively revealed Himself and His purposes through these men He inspired. As a result, His Word is perfectly cohesive and never contradictory" (p. [v]-vi). bb
Twelftree, Graham H. Jesus, the Miracle Worker: A Historical and Theological Study. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1999. 470 pp.
The author of this "historical and theological study" is an Australian pastor who has studied at Oxford. He writes this book, he says, for students, teachers and pastors. He includes a discussion about miracles, the historical Jesus and a study of the miracle accounts in each Gospel. This is a very readable text, with extensive notes and a useful bibliography; particularly for those new to the field of New Testament studies. ph
Cox, R. David. Bond and Covenant. New York: Church Publishing Inc., 1999. 98 pp.
The author uses the text of the Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage from the 1979 Episcopal Book of Common Prayer as the basis for reflection on marriage. An easy read that would be of interest to anyone wishing to think carefully about the covenant of marriage. ph
Hallman, David G. Spiritual Values for Earth Community. Geneva: WCC Publications, 2000. 134 pp.
The author briefly presents what he feels are the three dominant values in Western Society – consumerism, globalization and violence. He then writes extensively and compellingly about the spiritual values which, if lived, would lead to an ‘earth community’ beneficial for all people and all of creation. Ph
Herbert, Rembert. Entrances: Gregorian Chant in Daily Life. New York: Church Publishing Inc., 1999. 358 pp.
The author writes from an Episcopalian framework about the practice of Gregorian chant. He discusses the use of chant and the place chanting has played in monastic and contemplative life. The author believes that the origins of chant are not to be found in medieval monasticism, but in the writings of the Early Church fathers. This book would be of interest to those with a desire to learn more about contemplative prayer and monastic practice, as well as those fascinated with Gregorian chant. sg
Hershberger, Anne Krabill, editor. Sexuality God’s Gift. Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 1999. 216 pp.
This collection consists of twelve essays and a final chapter which provides a useful bibliography, arranged by topic. These essays are written from a Mennonite viewpoint and share as their starting point the tenet that sexuality is a "gift" from God. ph
Krehbiel, June Gelle. 101 Devotionals with Children. Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 1999. 172 pp.
Devotions written for young and not-so-young children which could be used well for both children’s messages during worship and family prayers at home. Includes a subject and a scripture index. ph
Langford, Andy. Transitions in Worship: Moving from Traditional to Contemporary. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1999. 144 pp.
"America’s most prominent church historian, Martin Marty, describes the most alive churches today as those which praise God, welcome the stranger, inventory actual needs in their communities, and heal" (p. 58). "The church, as always, is only one generation away from extinction" (p. 60), and "Only those congregations that serve the unchurched seekers in a specific community will survive for another generation" (p. 86).
The author surveys traditional, contemporary, and emerging worship and the rationale for each, and lays out how a congregation can work out its own living future. He considers how the "four cornerstones" may evolve without losing their power: Word of God, sacraments, prayer, and fellowship (by which he does NOT mean coffee hour! -- read and see). sg
Lord, Open Our Lips. New York: Church Publishing Inc., 1999. 112 pp.
Contains the written music and three CDs of many selections from the cantorial music for regular services in the Episcopal Church. ph
Noll, Ray R. Sacraments: A New Understanding for a New Generation. Mystic, Conn.: Twenty-Third Publications, 1999. 189 pp.
Noll presents a Roman Catholic understanding of the sacraments. He discusses "sacramentality" in general, as well as each of the actions defined as sacraments by the Roman Catholic Church. Glossaries of key terms, questions and projects for further study and discussion are included for each chapter. Also provided is a CD with additional reading. ph
Nowak, John M. Sobriety Amen. Chino Valley, Ariz.: Providence Two, 1998. 260 pp.
A self-published, personal story of one person’s journey to sobriety and ongoing relationship with God known in Jesus Christ. Contains a select bibliography and an index to scriptural references. ph
Phillips, Jennifer M. Preaching Creation throughout the Church Year. Cambridge, Mass.: Cowley Publications, 2000. 250 pp.
A book of reflections on each of the Sunday lections for years A, B & C. Written using the Anglican/Episcopal lectionary, but the author also includes an index of scripture. Brief, lively and sometimes provocative, these thoughts provide avenues for thinking about ecological issues in relation to any Sunday lection. ph
Poems of Grace: Texts of the Hymnal 1982. New York: Church Publishing Inc., 1998. 631 pp.
This is the words-only version of The Hymnal of 1982 (Anglican), and is intended to offer the reader the hymns as poetry for meditation. This is billed as a companion to A Closer Walk: Meditating on Hymns for Year A by Nancy Roth, which is in the BTS library. sg.
Pritchard, Gretchen Wolff. Learning To Love. New York: Church Publishing Inc., 2000. 121 pp.
A book in the "JourneyBook" series, this describes what has brought this author to her self-understanding as a lay minister and missioner in the Episcopal tradition. ph
Rhodes, Donna McKee. Even More Little Stories for Little Children. Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 2000. 128 pp.
A collection of fifty-two stories that can be used as is or adapted for the children’s message on Sunday morning. Includes an index of scripture references. ph
Roth, Nancy. Awake My Soul: Meditating On Hymns, Year B. New York: Church Publishing Inc., 1999. 262 pp.
Roth, Nancy. New Every Morning: Meditating On Hymns, Year C. New York: Church Publishing Inc., 2000. 259 pp.
The author, an Episcopal priest, has chosen a hymn for each Sunday and major feast of the church year and gives a brief history of the hymn and its author. She then provides a meditation on its content. Also included are an index of authors, translators and sources, and an index of first lines. (New Every Morning includes indices for all three volumes in this series.) ph
Scifres, Mary J. Searching for Seekers. Nashville: Abingdon, 1998. 177 pp.
Here is another how-to book in the Christian church’s quest to reach new audiences. The author is a United Methodist pastor. The reader has two hurdles: the book did not receive the level of editing and proofreading typical of Abingdon and throughout the book the way the author categorizes the populace as Seekers, Followers, Believers, Boomers, Busters, etc., could be annoying. However, she obviously writes from wide experience and thinks deeply on her vocation. Her ideas are well worth seeking out. sg
Sproul, R. C. In The Presence of God, Devotional Readings on the Attributes of God. Nashville: Word Publishing. 1999. 234 pp.
A series of meditations, paired with selected scripture citations, on living in the presence of God. ph
Sprague, Minka Shura. Praying From the Free-Throw Line – for Now. New York: Church Publishing Inc., 1999. 119 pp.
Through focusing on such diverse topics as vocational identity, passing German exams, living through a friend’s death, and the response one makes to a daughter’s question about a mother’s sexual history, Deacon Sprague offers rich food for thought and prayer. This title is the first volume of the Journey Book series published by Church Publishing Inc. ph
Stewart, Dorothy, compiler. Women of Prayer: An Anthology of Everyday Prayers from Women around the World. Chicago: Loyola Press, 1999. 291 pp.
This book is the author’s response to her astonishment that the thoughts of women are "so poorly represented in traditional prayer anthologies." She has selected prayers of Christian women from sources published around the world, ranging from Lady Jane Grey and Mary, Queen of Scots, to Mother Teresa, to Christina Rossetti, to collective prayers offered by women of various countries for Women’s World Day of Prayer, to "an African girl" who wrote: "O great Chief, light a candle within my heart that I may see what is therein and sweep the rubbish from your dwelling place." The reader wishes in vain to know something of the pray-ers and the circumstances that gave rise to their words. sg
Webber, Robert. Planning Blended Worship: The Creative Mixture of Old and New. Nashville: Abingdon, 1998. 209 pp.
The goal of Webber’s workshops for churches is "to restore the true experience of the death, the Resurrection, the intimate relationship with God, and the giving of praise and thanksgiving for these things. Such a spiritual engagement will revolutionize our worship . . ." (p 138). The blended worship in his title is a careful mixing of the post-Enlightenment, traditional Protestant service and the contemporary service, which grew out of the 19th century evangelical movement. This is not free mixing, but combining formal elements in one of several orderly ways.
Webber sees Christian worship, "the center of the church’s life and mission in the world" (p. 29), as expressed through the "Fourfold Pattern of Worship: Gathering, Word, Thanksgiving, and Dismissal." Each segment of a service derives its content from the services described in the literature of the early Christian church. In any era, he says, these same elements should be present, evolving in style only. Throughout the book, Webber pulls together resources (including music and other arts) from the entire history of the Christian church – in all its "isms" – to combine for more meaningful services today.
An interesting side note within the book is the chart on p. 47 which shows seven "Gestures of Worship" -- diagrams for "spontaneous" body language! sg
Armentrout, Don S. and Robert Boak Slocum, editors. An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church. New York: Church Publishing Inc., 1999. 578 pp.
With entries from "Aaronic blessing" to "Zwingli, Huldreich" this volume offers concise, readable information on key terms and people within the history and thought of the Episcopal Church and the larger Anglican Communion. ph
Ingou, Brad. The Amish in Their Own Words. Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 1999. 400 pp.
The editor compiled material from the first twenty-five years of the Amish magazine, Family Life. Among the sixteen chapters are: "What is Family Life?"; "The Clothing of the Faithful"; and "The Amish Sense of Humor." The author has selected material that allows the Amish to speak for themselves about their lives, their loves, and their faith. An informative text for those interested in contemporary Amish life and thought. ph
Ginsberg, Leon. Understanding Social Problems, Policies, and Programs. Third Edition. Columbia, S.C.: University of South Carolina Press, 1999. 306 pp.
This update of a classic text offers a comprehensive view of the ways social problems are addressed in the United States, and how our social welfare programs have been developed. This edition covers changes brought about by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, the effects of the O.J. Simpson trial, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the "Contract with America." sg
Gospel Opportunity or Gospel Threat?: The Church’s Debate on Sexuality. Church Publishing Inc., 1998. 76 pp.
This book is a transcript of a conference within the Episcopal church, the third in their "Burning Issues" series. The speakers represent a range of views on the subject of sexuality and its role in Christian life -- with most emphasis on the issue of homosexuality. The reader’s privilege is to perch on their shoulders, participating in the give and take and thinking through the controversy presented. This small book would be useful for anyone wishing to run a diagnostic check on their own beliefs and practices. sg
Grentz, Stanley J., David Guiretzki and Cherith Fee Nordling. Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1999. 122 pp.
Three hundred-plus brief definitions of common theological terms and descriptions of theologians and theological movements–from "a posteriori" to "Zwingli, Ulrich." ph
McIntosh, Mark. Mysteries of Faith, Volume 8 in The New Church’s Teaching Series. Cambridge, Mass.: Cowley Publications, 2000. 185 pp.
The author discusses the following "mysteries" of the Christian faith: the Trinity, creation, revelation, the Incarnation, salvation and communion. All are written for newcomers to the Anglican faith, but are thought-provoking presentations of each of these massive topics. Included in the text is a list of resources and questions for discussion for each chapter. This title is volume 8 in The New Church’s Teaching Series edited by James E. Griffiss. ph
Radmacher, Earl D. Salvation. Nashville: Word, 2000. 302 pp.
This volume, the latest in the Swindoll Leaderhip series, examines the process of personal salvation. The author, President and Professor of Theology Emeritus of Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon, uses Scripture to address the following questions: what does salvation mean? when are we saved? what does Jesus do for sinners? what does Jesus do for saints? what is common grace? how does God convict sinners of their sin? Includes bibliography and scripture and subject indexes. bb
THE CHURCH IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT
de Santa Ana, Julio, editor. Sustainability and Globalization. Geneva: WCC Publications, 1998. 144 pp.
This collection of essays by various experts from around the world springs from a "consultation" at the Ecumenical Institute of the World Council of Churches, held in June 1997. The writings range from exegesis to economics, to ecology. From the conclusion: "Too many Christians, especially the rich, have identified Christianity with market economics, attributing to the market Christian virtues and values, and importing market values and practices into their understanding of the Christian faith. In some quarters a critique of the global market is perceived as an attack on Christianity itself . . . . Faithfulness today requires not total submission to the lure and the power of global market processes, but rather participation in the creation and re-creation of human institutions and practices which support values of inclusion rather than exclusion, protection rather than destruction, stewardship rather than greed, solidarity rather than the survival of the fittest" (p. 20). Post 9/11, these essays have only increased in power -- perhaps they should be loaned out in plain brown cover! sg
Nickel, Gordon D. Peaceable Witness Among Muslims. Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 1999. 151 pp.
Written from an Anabaptist perspective, this book discusses how to live a peaceful witness to Christ in Muslim communities. ph
Shenk, David W. and Linford Stutzman, eds. Practicing Truth: Confident Witness in Our Pluralistic World. Scottdate, Pa.: Herald Press, 1999. 263 pp.
In the introduction, the editor writes, "This book aims to equip disciples of Jesus who desire to commend the way, the truth, and the life of Jesus in our pluralistic world" (p. 27). This collection of 15 essays is well written and, as a whole, is clearly focused on the stated aim of the editor. ph
Vecsey, Christopher. Where the Two Roads Meet: Volume III of American Indian Catholics. Notre Dame, Ind.: Notre Dame Press, 1999. 420 pp.
A thorough account of the Roman Catholic presence among the Sioux people, the Catholic missions practice among Native American peoples, and the formation of Native Catholic leaders. The story of the struggle to combine Native spirituality and lifestyle with a White Christian tradition is woven through the text. ph
Taylor, Barbara Brown. The Luminous Web: Essays on Science and Religion. Cambridge, Mass.: Cowley Publications, 2000. 105 pp.
This short and very well-written book, which presents the testimony of many of the best-known scientists and theologians as well as the author’s own thought, is an excellent introduction to science on the theoretical level and religion on the ontological. Taylor opens with a concise history of when and why scientists have diverged from the church and from each other, continues with evolution, quantum physics, and concludes with an essay on the limits of knowledge. Especially interesting are her observations on the way the mechanistic, Newtonian model of physics influenced the structure and functioning of the modern church. Medical science is touched on briefly. Taylor closes by proposing grounds on which science and religion may again converge, at least in dialogue. sg
Annotations prepared by:
Beth Bidlack (bb)
Sara Gallant (sg)
Priscilla Hukki (ph)