Organizations and Institutions Books

Markus' treatment of the culture of early Christianity is fascinating. More than any other scholar I have read, he is adept at showing the broader significance of various parts of Early Christianity.

Markus traces the historic shifts which marked a transformation of the Christian movement, from the popular primitive church of the first centuries, into a great bulwark of the medieval social order. He shows how the Christian community slowly divided into three orders -- of lay people, the all-male clergy, and the celibate monastics. And then the question emerged as to which order ranked highest. At first, the lay people were most important, since they chose and supported all church leaders from among themselves. Later, professional clergymen established themselves as state-backed supervisors over the laity. But by early medieval times it was the celibate monks who emerged as the Christians of highest rank. With their isolation from the world and from sex, the monastics seemed holier than either the local clergy (who were still mainly married), or lay families. In both the West and East, bishops, patriarchs, and popes were increasingly drawn from the ranks of male monks. It was a momentous trend. Markus claims, "The ascetic take-over [roughly in the time of Pope Gregory the Great (590-604)] signals the end of ancient Christianity". (p. 17)

I think Markus does the church a service, helping us distinguish layers of Christian tradition as they were added, and to see how these differed from the original Jesus movement.

--author of "Different Visions of Love"

This is an awesome review of how symbol and sign impacts the depth of Catholic Theology. It provides a deeper understanding of what sign and symbol is and how we have lost this meaning.

If you've ever wondered what in the world Catholics were talking about when they speak of the presence of Christ in the bread and wine, this book is a major step forward in making that doctrine make sense.

Msgr. Sokolowski is one of the foremost philosophers of phenomenology and consequently is very good at explaining how things are presented to, made present to, or appear to humans. His is a philosophy that simply makes sense.

Working from the foundation of the "Christian Distinction" between God and World, Sokolowski shows how the Sacrifice of Christ can be made present to us (and how we can be made present to it) in the Eucharist even 2000 years later. This is his second book on the "Theology of Disclosure" (the first being "The God of Faith and Reason") and it will change how you look at the world.

Even Protestants (like myself) can agree with what Msgr. Sokolowski says in this book. Not only can we agree, but we can gain a new understanding of and appreciation for one of the central Christian performances.

I am not a musician and I can't read music, so I'll leave it to the more musically qualified to weigh in on the merits of the hymns and service settings in this new Lutheran worship resource. But I am a Lutheran, I love a sung service, and I enjoy singing hymns. Just published, Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW) is intended to replace the Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW or "green book") published in 1978 at the time when three historic American Lutheran bodies merged to form a single denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

What I like about ELW is its abundance of choices, its completeness, and its transparency. Unlike the LBW, this new resource is designed to facilitate private worship as effectively and fully as public worship. The section for the Propers for Sundays and Principal Festivals is clearly laid out, including for those Sundays beginning in Pentecost when churches have the option of pursuing "complementary" or "semicontinuous" Old Testament readings. Unlike the old, two-year Daily Lectionary, the Daily Lectionary in the ELW follows a three-year cycle, making it easier for the worshipers to integrate their priviate devotions with what the larger church is doing on Sundays. Another important improvement is the inclusion of all 150 Psalms, not just the "safe" or "polite" ones. The first piece of service music, which immediately follows the last Psalm, is numbered #151. This is significant. It is a way of reasserting the Psalter's rightful place as the Church's primary collection of worship music. The numbering helps us remember that the Psalms are not to be treated as texts only. They pre-date the church, in fact, and from the beginning have served as important works of musical and spiritual expression. Also important for private devotions is the inclusion of Martin Luther's "Small Catechism" and a short article explaining the Scriptural basis of worship (where the precise verses are identified for all the key phrases that form the skeleton of our worship service). More than its predecesor, ELW gives the motivated Lutheran worshiper the chance to prepare ahead of time for Sunday worship, and to reflect upon it afterwards--a reminder that being a Christian is not just what we do, think, and say on Sunday.

What I mean when I praise ELW's "transparency," is that those who prepared this volume have taken pains to explain why we worship the way we do, to present the logic and rationale behind the options available to us. Each section of the book is introduced with a brief explanation of what is being presented and what makes that element of worship noteworthy. Similarly, there is ample use of rubrics to call attention to worship options within the various settings and services. I even appreciate that they have added a footnote to the Nicene Creed to remind worshipers that the phrase "and the Son" is a later addition to the Creed.

Even more so than the LBW, this hymnal is sensitive to the diversity of the church and demonstates a sense of joy about embracing all lands and cultures. Likewise, it recognizes that the laity is capable and ready to take greater leadership in the "work" of the church; the text distinguishes between "presiding ministers" (i.e., ordained clergy) and "leaders" and "assisting ministers" in a way that is empowering rather than restrictive.

I look foward to exploring the new settings for Communion as part of my Sunday worship. And I encourage all Lutherans to obtain a personal copy of ELW and begin using it as part of your personal devotiions.

This is a long time coming and long overdue. The last time the LBW (now the ELW) got a rewrite was in the 1970s.

If you're looking for the Gift Edition the ISBN number is 978-0-8066-5671-7. Currently, it's only available from Augsburg Fortress.

I highly recommend Wellman's book to anyone interested in thoroughly understanding the differences between evangelical and liberal Christians. Using 443 interviews with respondents from 34 churches in the Pacific Northwest, Wellman provides a clear, in-depth comparison of these two distinct Christian cultures. Harking back to Weber, Wellman demonstrates the power of values in their ability to affect individual behavior and organizational outcomes. He shows how the distinct moral worldviews of evangelicals and liberals lead to quite different rituals, outreach/mission policies, political perspectives, organizational dynamics, and congregational success. He delves into the composition of moral worldviews and argues that although they have strong, stable, unquestionable 'moral cores', they also consist of parts that are highly adaptable and open to diversity. Consequently, moral worldviews may have a unique composition for every individual but due to a shared moral core may be grouped together. Thus, he provides an excellent framework for examining and understanding homogeneity and diversity within moral worldviews that can be applied to other religions.

I also recommend this book as a text for a course. I used it this past summer for my "Sociology of Religion" course and my students really enjoyed reading it. They thought his book was easy to understand, fit well with the other sociological theories of religion covered in the course, and provided excellent case studies. Here are several representative comments my students wrote regarding this book:

"I think Wellman has done a good job explaining the dynamics in each group. The compare/contrast method clearly defines how the different groups view religion compared to the secular world. It's also an easy read."

"I really like the amount of interviews and first hand accounts the author provides, I think it allows the reader to get a better overall feel for the characteristics of both sides of the debate."

"I think the two case study model is great. I've always understood ideas/theories better when they've been applied to real life situations. He clearly and informatively describes the application."

Lastly, one of my favorite student comments (parenthetical phrases inserted for clarification):

"You should keep using the book (as a text for this class)--especially if you were the first one. I would suggest taunting your fellow co-workers who start using it after (you) about how they are just jumping on the Wellman bandwagon."

Contrasting evangelical and liberal Christians, Wellman's book gives clear evidence of why these groups are constantly at odds. Although ostensibly Christian groups, Wellman persuasively illustrates why evangelicals and liberals are worlds apart in their basic moral views. Utilizing interviews with leaders and members in both traditions, Wellman shows how members/pastors of each group actively describe the other as misunderstanding "true" Christianity. The disdain for the other that sometimes creeps through these interviews is somewhat chilling for those who hope these groups could ever be united. The book also focuses on the least churched region in the U.S., the Pacific Northwest. As the last of the frontier, how religion is done by these two groups gives an insight into religious competition. Scholars, church leaders, evangelicals and liberals will find this book compelling.

I tried to buy this from a third party through Amazon and I never got my book. Amazon made sure I got my refund and I ended up buying from them directly for nearly the same price because of a sale. They got the book to me before I knew it.....

The latest entry into the outstanding Liturgical Press "American Essays in Liturgy" series, Exploring Music As Worship And Theology: Research In Liturgical Practice by Mary E. McGann offers the reader a seminal essay written especially for liturgical scholars and pastoral leaders. Exploring Music As Worship And Theology is focused on the concept and importance of the music emerging from Christian assembly and worship, and calls for greater dialogue between theories of liturgy/music and the actual practice. Ruminating on the role of music as a focus point to expand worship to reach out to diverse, multi-cultural views, Exploring Music As Worship And Theology offers new insights and wisdom on Christian faith and practice as expressed in Christian music and music making.

Clear, concise, and deeply thoughtful analysis of the basic premise underlying the religion clauses of the Bill of Rights and how they have been and continue to be misconstrued by both sides in issues involving relations between Church and State.

Tracks development of Jefferson's "wall of separation" comment from its original significance to the status of useful shibboleth. Provides insightful interpretation of events that gradually changed what had been "the Protestant nation" into a truly religiously plural society and turned James Madison's concept into reality.

Presents a clear and historically accurate picture of the relationship between government and religion envisaged by the Framers of the Constitution, as well as examples of how it can be adhered to in our time.

For some time we have not had a truly radical approach to the reading of the First Amendment as it relates to Church-State Relations. Now Thomas Curry, the Roman Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Santa Barbara, CA, has provided one that I believe will stimulate productive discussions from all sides.

Whereas people have largely divided themselves into "separationists" or "accommodationists," a general literalism of approach has blocked our seeing the historical roots of the First Amendment. Those who framed and passed the Amendment did not think like modern Americans, either those who wish for governmental support or those who would put a wall of separation between religion and government.

Read carefully, and seen in the context of writers like Jame Madison and the experience of the colonies, the Amendment actually declares that the government has no power in questions of religion. It declares itself incapable of judging religious questions. The founders did not want to support any religion as had been the case with governments of many stripes in the past. Neither did they wish to have a say on what religion was the best or what religion could do. Goernment simply had no competence in religious matters.

All religions, not just Roman Catholicism, will be affected by an understanding and acceptance of Curry's views. Freedom for Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, Muslims--for all religions--is what the First Amendment guarantees for Amricans.

If you are serious about the ministry and would like your ministry to be successful in all categories of feeding and leading the people you lead then this book is a great read for you and your understanding in how to appropriately accomplish these tasks.

Kenneth O. Gangel is vice president for academic affairs, academic dean, and distinguished professor of Christian Education at Dallas Theological Seminary. He has also held administrative positions at Calvary Bible College and Miami Christian College. He holds degrees in business and college administration as well as theology and Christian education. His doctorates are from the University of Missouri and Mercy College. He is the author of more than twenty books and has written over eight hundred articles for journals and periodicals.

This book was written to straighten out the confusion concerning servant leadership and organism versus organization. The book was also written as a practical manual for Christian leaders (pp. 9-10). Gangel points out in the forward of this book that the secular view of leadership has been dominant in the church. He feels we have forgotten what the Bible description of a leader is. Leaders in the church has been called to be servant leaders. It doesn't mean the person is a doormat or has no backbone, but the biblical view of leadership is leading by serving. This is the first problem Gangel deals with in his book. He also points out that 'Ministry' and 'Management' are not contradictory terms. Many people think that if it is a ministry it is not managed well. This is the second problem Gangel deals with in his book. We tend to think that the churches goals need to be either people-oriented or goal-oriented. Gangel also points out that the goal of the church is not new converts but mature believers (lay leadership development).

I think that Gangel did an excellent job and has fulfilled his stated purposes. The author did an excellent job in relating to the reader throughout the book. Gangel, in every chapter, either asks questions to help you understands what was discussed or to reevaluate what you are doing. I.e., at the end of chapter one he asks you what are the six leadership lessons learned from the life of Moses. Then he asks, "which of these lessons have you learned?" In chapter two he asks you to answer twenty-one questions for 'Spiritual Leaders.' Dr. Gangel does this for every chapter. He also tells stories throughout his book to illustrate his points. An example of this is the story about Charlie and Norma starting on page 217. Gangel gives several outcomes based on how Charlie responds to Norma giving up her teaching position. By his constantly asking questions and telling stories he keeps the readers attention.

The only weakness I noticed in the book was his charts and graphs. He reprinted other writers charts and graphs in his book. Some were good but others were not easy to understand or did not illustrate his point as well as it could have. I.e., the Annual Planning Cycle on page 106 seems confusing. Then also on page 251 the 'Toward A Trained Leadership' chart doesn't clearly communicate the point of results and evaluation which the section was about.

Other than some charts and graphs Gangel's book was an excellent book. As a former Army officer and now as pastor I would highly recommend to anyone that wants to learn to be a better leader and administrator. It is particularly beneficial to those leader in the church whether a profession or lay leader.

This book covers all the circumstances surrounding why people may want to find a church. Whether a person is a Christian, a seeker, a veteran church goer or someone sensing a change, this book covers all the bases. Everyone interested in finding a church for the first or fifth time should read this book. From Understanding the Church to Understanding the Family to Loving the Church you find, this book will address every issue.

With so many people floundering around from church to church trying to find one they can call their home this is a very timely book. Within its pages the authors detail a plan to help the reader find a place they can call their church. The book is divided into three parts. The first part examines the church itself from a Biblical perspective and its purpose on the earth. The second part looks at various types of congregations you are likely to encounter. And the third part is about finding your place among God's People.

At the end of each chapter are actions you can take, direction for prayer to assist you, questions for reflection, and sometimes even tools to help you evaluate yourself and a church service to see if it is a place where you will be happy. In chapter nine they end up with five specific steps to find the church you can love. At the end of that chapter they even include questions to ask a leader at a potential church home so you can start the visiting process with a short list of those who are probably a good match with your family. Highly recommended path to find that church you love while still addressing the importance of prayer to help you find God's will for you in a church. Finding a Church You Love and Loving the Church You've Found is highly recommended.

Book condition was exactly as advertised. Fast Shipping. Good packing. 100% satisfied.

I read this book as a pastor seeking a simple, church health resource for members of my congregation. Having determined our need for greater evangelism and assimilation, we needed a concise blueprint to help us build the ministry framework. McIntosh and Martin here offer an excellent volume that describes five stages of evangelism and five stages of assimilation.

The beauty of this book is its simplicity. The points are very easy to follow, and the many diagrams give the concepts added clarity. I'm pleased with what I have found here, and recommend it highly.

This is a spiritually uplifting book. I know they are true because I live in a L'Arche community in Clinton, Iowa. Some of these stories are about us. They are straight from our lives. And they are wonderful. These little vignettes are glimpses into the minds and hearts of our "core members," the people we live and work with who have mental disabilities. I recommend this book to anybody who wants to know more about what some people with mental retardation think and believe. I think you will find the stories precious.

It is simply written but filled with truths and lesson that are so beautifully true. The short examples are an ever refreshing insight into life from one who sees it in a truly simplistic manner. It can be used to meditate on truths.