An Insider's View of Mormon Origins


Book Description

Quote: 'Why would God reveal to Joseph Smith a faulty [mistranslated] KJV text?' Chap 4: (Evangelical Protestantism in the Book of Mormon) concludes that numerous theological issues addressed in the Book of Mormon probably derived from Smith's Upstate New York religious environment than from the claimed ancient gold plates. Chap 5: (Moroni and the Golden Pot) examines a long list of parallels between a published story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, and Smith's account of the angel Moroni's visits. The chapter concludes, 'It would stretch credulity to believe that this [long list of parallels between Hoffmann's Golden Pot story and Smith's Moroni story] could be a coincidence, and I therefore think that a debt is owed to E.T.A. Hoffmann and the European traditions ... ' Chap.




From Buddha to Jesus


Book Description

A popular introduction to Buddhism, showing how Christians can understand and effectively dialogue with Buddhists. Buddhism is a rapidly rising religion in the West, but few Westerners know Buddhism from the inside. Having grown up with Buddhism and Christianity, Steve Cioccolanti highlights the similarities and builds bridges of understanding between the two major religions. His account is studded with stories, parables, and illuminating observations. This book is remarkably easy to read, and Steve is an engaging and original guide. Discover Buddhism the way it's actually lived, not the way it's been presented in textbooks or by Hollywood. Now you can learn the 2 most popular religions in 1 book! "A groundbreaking book... Steve has an unusual insight into the Buddhist mind. I would use it for our Bible College students." Dr. Wayne Cordeiro (Pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship, a 10,000+ member church in Hawaii.) "From Buddha to Jesus is a clear exposition of both Buddha's search for truth and the foundations of Buddhist culture. It then gives an account of how the Good News of Jesus can fulfill Buddhist law, and deliver people from the drive of endless perfectionism. A totally thought-provoking work!" Rod Plummer (Senior Pastor of Jesus Lifehouse Tokyo) "Steve's book 'From Buddha to Jesus' is the best tool that I have found to find a common platform with Buddhists. Although the book is primarily focused on Thai Buddhism, the principles in the book can be used with Buddhists in Japan and with Buddhists in other countries. I highly recommend it!" Rev. Daniel Kikawa (President of Aloha Ke Akua Ministries, Pastor of Hilo Missionary Church) "One of the books that I really read from cover to cover. I bought 10 copies and distributed them to my friends. I was once a Buddhist and this book really opened up my eyes. It is a must-read for all Buddhists, Eastern religion followers or even Christians who are looking for a way to reach out to these groups of people. Steve Cioccolanti was able to put things in the right manner and has written in a balanced and non-offensive way. This book rocks!" Daniel Hendrata (TV Host, Co-Founder of Anugrah Ministries) "I have been a missionary in Thailand for 40 years. I read your book and was very impressed. I wish I would have had it sooner." Dorothy H., Thailand "Your book is one of my treasured collection and I've been reading it again and again. I love it so much. It helps me to understand Buddha and Buddhism and draw bridges between the two faiths. Keep up the good work and God bless!." Mish N. "Steve's gentle way of sharing his insight suits the [Asian] audience very well... He has also broken some invalid preconceived ideas that Buddhists are closed to the Gospel." Ching Wah, Singapore "My husband and I have been reading it and although I am a second-generation missionary in Thailand (my dad arrived in 1946!) your book has brought new insight and clarified many things and is helping me/us immensely in relating to the Buddhists. So, Thank YOU and Thank GOD!" Marianna & Erik, Thailand "This book gave me confidence that I had a strategy! Because we can start from a place of commonality, instead of a place of 'I'm right, you're wrong'. This teaching releases people!" Tim P., Thailand "Anyone who comes in contact with Eastern religions should read Steve's book." Col Stringer, President of ICFM Australia "Truly enlightening and informative... A useful tool to reach not only Buddhists but many others confused by the plethora of religions." Tom Inglis, Founder of Psalmody "A well-written book with a clear and bold testimony." Canon James Wong (Anglican Churches Singapore




FROM BUDDHA TO JESUS: An Insider's View of Buddhism & Christianity (Comparative World Religions)


Book Description

A popular introduction to Buddhism, showing how Christians can understand and effectively dialogue with Buddhists. Buddhism is a rapidly rising religion in the West, but few Westerners know Buddhism from the inside. Having grown up with Buddhism and Christianity, Steve Cioccolanti highlights the similarities and builds bridges of understanding between the two major religions. His account is studded with stories, parables, and illuminating observations. This book is remarkably easy to read, and Steve is an engaging and original guide. Discover Buddhism the way it’s actually lived, not the way it’s been presented in textbooks or by Hollywood. Now you can learn the 2 most popular religions in 1 book! “A groundbreaking book… Steve has an unusual insight into the Buddhist mind. I would use it for our Bible College students.” Dr. Wayne Cordeiro (Pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship, a 10,000+ member church in Hawaii.) "From Buddha to Jesus is a clear exposition of both Buddha’s search for truth and the foundations of Buddhist culture. It then gives an account of how the Good News of Jesus can fulfill Buddhist law, and deliver people from the drive of endless perfectionism. A totally thought-provoking work!" Rod Plummer (Senior Pastor of Jesus Lifehouse Tokyo) "Steve’s book 'From Buddha to Jesus' is the best tool that I have found to find a common platform with Buddhists. Although the book is primarily focused on Thai Buddhism, the principles in the book can be used with Buddhists in Japan and with Buddhists in other countries. I highly recommend it!" Rev. Daniel Kikawa (President of Aloha Ke Akua Ministries, Pastor of Hilo Missionary Church, Author and producer of the award-winning films of "God's Fingerprints in Japan 1 & 2") "One of the books that I really read from cover to cover. I bought 10 copies and distributed them to my friends. I was once a Buddhist and this book really opened up my eyes. It is a must-read for all Buddhists, Eastern religion followers or even Christians who are looking for a way to reach out to these groups of people. Steve Cioccolanti was able to put things in the right manner and has written in a balanced and non-offensive way. This book rocks!" Daniel Hendrata (TV Host, Chairman & Co-Founder of Anugrah Ministries) "I have been a missionary in Thailand for 40 years. I read your book and was very impressed. I wish I would have had it sooner." Dorothy H., Thailand "Your book is one of my treasured collection and I've been reading it again and again. I love it so much. It helps me to understand Buddha and Buddhism and draw bridges between the two faiths. Keep up the good work and God bless!." Mish N. “I am a Malaysian Chinese… I was a Buddhist. I came across your explanation about Buddhism and found that it was so true!” Sulee, Malaysia "Steve's gentle way of sharing his insight suits the [Asian] audience very well… He has also broken some invalid preconceived ideas that Buddhists are closed to the Gospel." Ching Wah, Singapore "My husband and I have been reading it and although I am a second-generation missionary in Thailand (my dad arrived in 1946!) your book has brought new insight and clarified many things and is helping me/us immensely in relating to the Buddhists. So, Thank YOU and Thank GOD!" Marianna & Erik, Thailand "This book gave me confidence that I had a strategy! Because we can start from a place of commonality, instead of a place of 'I'm right, you're wrong'. This teaching releases people!" Tim P., Thailand “Anyone who comes in contact with Eastern religions should read Steve’s book.” -Col Stringer, President of ICFM Australia “Truly enlightening and informative… A useful tool to reach not only Buddhists but many others confused by the plethora of religions.” -Tom Inglis, Founder of Psalmody "A well-written book with a clear and bold testimony." Canon James Wong (Anglican Churches Singapore)




Insider Jesus


Book Description

Missiologists today are considering the significance of insider movements, followers of Jesus who are emerging from within Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, and other cultural contexts. Are these authentic expressions of Christian faith? If so, how should we understand them? William Dyrness brings a rare blend of cultural and theological engagement to his reflections on this important phenomenon.




More Than a Prophet


Book Description

For the world's one billion Muslims, Jesus is a prophet. A highly respected prophet, but one of many throughout history. For Christians, Jesus is more than a prophet. He alone is God incarnate, Lord and Savior. And therein lies the most profound difference between the two faiths. Based upon the authors' extensive dialogues and debates with skeptical, angry, and interested Muslims, liberal Christians, and mainstream journalists, More Than a Prophet answers nearly 150 questions about Islamic and Christian faith. Sympathetic to Muslim concerns yet uncompromising in its portrayal of historic Christian truth, More Than a Prophet is an indispensable handbook for Christians who want to share their faith with sensitivity and intellectual honesty. It is also a helpful introductory resource for those seeking to understand Jesus. - Back cover.




Jesus Inside


Book Description

Inspired by God, Jesus Inside was written to provide a clearer view of the Bible. I cant count the number of times I've heard individualsyoung and old, educated and uneducatedsaying that they dont understand the Bible. They believe in Jesus Christ and know He is the begotten Son of God who died on the cross for our sins, but they dont know what that truly means. I pray that after reading Jesus Inside, all, including myself, will have a clearer understanding of the Bible so that our lights will shine so brightly we will have to go and share the Jesus inside of us to people all over the world. Receiving her doctoral degree in Theology in May of 2011 and traveling to various countries throughout the world, Dr. Brenda Stevenson felt compelled to write about the Jesus inside. Time and time again, she would hear people say, I dont understand the Bible. The desire of Dr. Stevensons heart is to give a miniature storytelling walk through of the Bible, in hopes that people will gain a better understanding and appreciation for the living Word, Jesus.




Understanding Insider Movements


Book Description

For the first time in history, large numbers of people from the world’s major non-Christian religions are following Jesus as Lord. Surprisingly for many Western Christians, they are choosing to do so within the religious communities of their birth and outside of institutional Christianity. How does this work, and how should we respond to these movements? This long-awaited anthology brings together some of the best writings on the topic of insider movements. Diverse voices explore this phenomenon from the perspectives of Scripture, history, theology, missiology, and the experience and identity of insider believers. Those who are unfamiliar with the subject will find this book a crucial guide to a complex conversation. Students and instructors of mission will find it useful as a reader and reference volume. Field workers and agencies will discover in these chapters welcome starting points for dialogue and clearer communication. The first book to provide a comprehensive survey of the topic of insider movements, Understanding Insider Movements is an indispensable companion for those who want to glimpse the creative, unexpected, boundary-crossing ways God is at work among the peoples of the world in their diverse religious communities.




Inside The Passion


Book Description

Deepen your journey into the unforgettable film, The Passion of The Christ. In this authorized, behind-the-scenes look at the movie, Fr. John Bartunek, L.C., provides biblical, historical, and theological insights gleaned from hours spent on the set and interviews with the director, actors, and filmmaking crew. Inside The Passion is the most complete and thorough commentary on the movie you will read.




Encounters with Jesus


Book Description

New York Times bestselling author of The Prodigal Prophet Timothy Keller explores how people are changed by meeting Jesus personally—and how we can be changed encountering him today. The people who met Jesus Christ in person faced the same big life questions we face today. Like most of us, the answers handed down to them didn’t seem to work in the real world. But when they met Jesus, things immediately started to change for them. It seems he not only had the answers—he was the answer. In Encounters with Jesus, Timothy Keller shows how the central events and meetings in Jesus’ life can change our own lives forever. "Keller's work belongs on the bookshelf of every serious Bible student." —Examiner "Keller has mined the gold from these texts of Scripture, and any Christian is bound to have their minds expanded and hearts stirred." —Grace for Sinners




What Did Jesus Look Like?


Book Description

Jesus Christ is arguably the most famous man who ever lived. His image adorns countless churches, icons, and paintings. He is the subject of millions of statues, sculptures, devotional objects and works of art. Everyone can conjure an image of Jesus: usually as a handsome, white man with flowing locks and pristine linen robes. But what did Jesus really look like? Is our popular image of Jesus overly westernized and untrue to historical reality? This question continues to fascinate. Leading Christian Origins scholar Joan E. Taylor surveys the historical evidence, and the prevalent image of Jesus in art and culture, to suggest an entirely different vision of this most famous of men. He may even have had short hair.