Jesus and the Quest for Meaning


Book Description

A new approach to introducing theology As God's self-communication to humans, Jesus is the key to the human search for meaning, argues Thomas West. He therefore introduces the practice of theology through Christology. From the question of personal meaning and self-constitution and their relationship to transcendent meaning and value, he proceeds to discuss the figure and import of Jesus and then the ethical imperative engendered through encounter with him. Fresh and clear, West's book is an invitation to grapple with one's religious commitments, especially in light of recent insights in biblical studies and Continental, feminist, and liberation theologies. This new text will prove an engaging and effective introduction to theological thinking for both undergraduates and Christian adults.




Quest for Meaning Through an Intimate Walk with God


Book Description

Quest for Meaning through an intimate walk with God is about divine empowerment and spiritual awakening through the incalculable possibilities of prayers and relationship with God. This book underscores the fact that nothing is too immense or trifling to be a theme or subject of prayer. Though prayer is central in vitalizing our existence, all too often, it is not understood, ignored, or avoided. In our deepest valley of despair and despondency, Jesus notices our tears and sufferings; He knows the full magnitude of our aches and has reassured us that He will not leave us to our own stratagem. All He asks of us is to invite Him to dwell in us, the temple of God. There is something simply prophetic and powerful about a heart which even in disillusionment is willing to look up to God in praise and worship as the case is for many despairing African and immigrant children. They struggle with doubt and wrestle with anxiety and discouragements, especially when their prayers go unanswered while lost in the gorge of the shadow. Yet, they have undertaken to categorically love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with your entire mind. This is a bare-knuckled collection of stimulating and liberating prayers that addresses a broad expanse of existential issues faced by fearless African children in their fragile stations in life. They are passionately praying like Paul asking Father-God the good Shepherd for direction and protection. Although the fear in their eyes and angst in their souls have transformed into futility, their hearts do not panic because they know no satanic weapon formed against them shall flourish. They are assured through prayers that they are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus the enthroned Creator. Quest for Meaning proffers assuring prayers that serve as tonic to cool-off the penury, effrontery and tormenting experiences of the afflicted. Be anxious of nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7







Jesus the Savior


Book Description

Arguing that Jesus radically challenges the way most people understand the world and live their lives, an examination of Christ focuses on such secular topics as ministry and the resurrection, as well as contemporary issues including criminal justice, war, and homosexuality. Original.




The Four Vision Quests of Jesus


Book Description

A unique look at Christian biblical interpretation and theology from the perspective of Native American tradition. This book focuses on four specific experiences of Jesus as portrayed in the synoptic gospels. It examines each story as a “vision quest,” a universal spiritual phenomenon, but one of particular importance within North American indigenous communities. Jesus’ experience in the wilderness is the first quest. It speaks to a foundational Native American value: the need to enter into the “we” rather than the “I.” The Transfiguration is the second quest, describing the Native theology of transcendent spirituality that impacts reality and shapes mission. Gethsemane is the third quest. It embodies the Native tradition of the holy men or women, who find their freedom through discipline and concerns for justice, compassion, and human dignity. Golgotha is the final quest. It represents the Native sacrament of sacrifice (e.g., the Sun Dance). The chapter on Golgotha is a discussion of kinship, balance, and harmony: all primary to Native tradition and integral to Christian thought.




The Quest for Context and Meaning


Book Description

This collection of studies is published in honor of Professor James A. Sanders, a leading scholar in the fields of the canon of Scripture, textual criticism, and the relationship of the two Testaments. Contributors include leading scholars in these and related fields of study. The studies investigate in what ways the early sacred tradition was interpreted and how this tradition takes new shape in the Jewish and Christian communities of faith. Included are studies of Jesus' understanding of Scripture, Paul's interpretation of Scripture, and the ways in which Scripture was interpreted by the Rabbis. In many instances novel interpretations and new approaches to old problems are offered. Advanced students and veteran scholars will enjoy the many insights and provocative new ideas.




The Meaning of Jesus


Book Description

Was Jesus born of a virgin? Did he know he was the Messiah? Was he bodily resurrected from the dead? Did he intentionally die to redeem humankind? Was Jesus God? Two leading Jesus scholars with widely divergent views go right to the heart of these questions and others, presenting the opposing visions of Jesus that shape our faith today.




The Final Quest


Book Description

What if a single revelation could change your destiny in a moment? In this riveting bestseller, author Rick Joyner takes you on the supernatural journey that has captivated millions. More real than an allegory, The Final Quest is a panoramic vision of the epic struggle between light and darkness, and your part in it. As the journey unfolds, you can join in the great battle, encounter angels and demons, apostles and prophets, and the heavenly realm itself. This book is about the greatest adventure, to serve the greatest King, and to stand for His truth with courage—a tale not for the timid, but for the bold.




Quest for the Living God


Book Description

'Since the middle of the twentieth century,' writes Elizabeth Johnson, 'there has been a renaissance of new insights into God in the Christian tradition. On different continents, under pressure from historical events and social conditions, people of faith have glimpsed the living God in fresh ways. It is not that a wholly different God is discovered from the One believed in by previous generations. Christian faith does not believe in a new God but, finding itself in new situations, seeks the presence of God there. Aspects long-forgotten are brought into new relationships with current events, and the depths of divine compassion are appreciated in ways not previously imagined.' This book sets out the fruit of these discoveries. The first chapter describes Johnson's point of departure and the rules of engagement, with each succeeding chapter distilling a discrete idea of God. Featured are transcendental, political, liberation, feminist, black, Hispanic, interreligious, and ecological theologies, ending with the particular Christian idea of the one God as Trinity.




The Sermon on the Mount


Book Description