Church Theology

What comes to mind when you think of the word church? In this volume, Gregg R. Allison helps define the church and its mission by presenting an overview of the specific doctrines and practices of different churches and denominations. He lays a basic foundation for better understanding the common practices among local church communities (“mere ecclesiology”) and the ways that they diverge from one another (“more ecclesiology”).

Understanding Christian Denominations: A Guide to Doctrines, Worship, and Beliefs Across the Church Are you curious about the real differences between Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and the many branches of Protestantism? Do you want a clear, concise guide to how Christians around the world understand salvation, scripture, sacraments, and worship? This comprehensive and reader-friendly book breaks down the complex world of Christian denominations—without bias, jargon, or theological confusion. Understanding Christian Denominations explores the key beliefs, practices, and structures that define ...

There’s more to salvation than punching your ticket for heaven. John Wesley taught that full salvation means becoming completely holy in heart and life. This focus on personal holiness was one of the defining characteristics of the Wesleyan revival. The many Methodist and Wesleyan denominations, the Pentecostal and holiness movements, and the Salvation Army all trace their lineage back to these teachings. Wesley’s followers believed what he taught fiercely, lived it out faithfully, and witnessed to it boldly, to the point that they were often violently persecuted. Today, millions of ...

This is a book born in the spaces most of us try not to see...prison yards, death rows, the narrow hallways outside execution chambers and the living rooms of families who will never stop crying. I’ve held the hands of men moments before the state killed them. I’ve sat with wardens, families of victims and grieving mothers...carrying the weight of a system that thinks it has the authority to end life in God’s name. And I’ve realized that when the state kills, it is not only the condemned who die...it is the witness of the church, the imagination of mercy and the gospel itself. ...

The Shorter Summa (Compendium of Theology) — Thomas Aquinas A New Modern English Translation with Explainers to Clarify Difficult Concepts Thomas Aquinas’s concise handbook of Christian theology—known both as the Compendium of Theology and the Shorter Summa—now rendered in clear, current English. This reader-friendly edition keeps Aquinas’s structure and arguments intact while removing archaic phrasing and adding brief, targeted explainers where readers typically get stuck. Why this edition New modern English translation: faithful to Aquinas, stripped of needless archaic language....

What do Jewish people believe? What do Muslims believe? Do you have answers ready for a Mormon or a Jehovah’s Witness? Have you ever wished that there was a resource to review the systematic theology of other religions? Now there is one! Using mostly original sources, What Do They Believe? will help you to get an accurate understanding of what other religions believe. Michael Abd El-Massih, founder and executive director of Arabic Bible Outreach Ministry: "I was glued to your description of Islam and its teaching and kept reading and reading. Well done—you are an excellent writer and a ...

Dr. James Papandrea introduces you to all the major theologians, philosophers, and martyrs of the early Christian church and explains the theological principles that guided the Church from the New Testament era through the apologists, and, ultimately, to the development of the major doctrines. He uniquely situates the teachings of the early Church Fathers against the social and cultural context of the Roman Empire and its relationship to the Church.

Part of the furor in the Middle East is the identity of Israel. Various sects of Christianity try to tackle its relationship with the nation, kingdom, and homeland of the Jews. With that in mind, this book aims to answer the following question Biblically: Why is the Church not and never will be Israel? Discover: The five main views of the relationship between the Church and Israel The difference between the New Testament and New Covenant (It's not what you think) Why passages that seem to imply that the Church is Israel doesn't actually say so The question is explored in many angles, and...

"This is, in my opinion, the best book on the complementarian / evangelical egalitarian debate. Buy a copy, buy copies for friends, lend it widely. It highlights the truth that the gospel sets the oppressed free. The Bible from cover to cover is good news for men and women." —Dr. Kevin Giles, author of What The Bible Actually Teaches on Women "Terran Williams develops a meticulous case that shows God’s moral compass always points to the unity of men and women, in creation, in the church, and in Christ. A terrific resource for anyone wrestling with this topic.” —Dr. Michael Bird, ...

Immerse yourself in the profound world of one of the oldest and most fascinating Christian traditions with Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church: A Beginner's Guide. This comprehensive introduction is your gateway to understanding the rich tapestry of faith, culture, and history that defines the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Discover the ancient roots and enduring legacy of a church that has been a beacon of faith for over 1,600 years. With this guide, you'll uncover the deep spiritual practices and vibrant traditions that continue to inspire millions. Unlock the Secrets of Ancient Faith: Delve ...

What is the way forward for the church? Tragically, in recent years, Christians have gotten used to revelations of abuses of many kinds in our most respected churches―from Willow Creek to Harvest, from Southern Baptist pastors to Sovereign Grace churches. Respected author and theologian Scot McKnight and former Willow Creek member Laura Barringer wrote this book to paint a pathway forward for the church.

Divided Nation: Cultures in Chaos & A Conflicted Church provides families and their churches biblical mandates to awaken and arise as influencers in today’s turbulent times. As Christian persecution increases, the Body of Christ needs to prepare to take a bold stand. Ken Ham, CEO and founder of Answers in Genesis-US, the highly acclaimed Creation Museum, and the world-renowned Ark Encounter, sounds the call for Reformation bringing God’s people back to the authority of the Word of God beginning in Genesis.

Robin Meyers, a rising star of liberal Christianity, restores the true mission of the faith that captures the heart of Jesus's concern for people over "right belief." Saving Jesus from the Church will resonate deeply with those who enjoy the works of John Shelby Spong, Marcus Borg, and John Dominic Crossan.

Short, Accessible Guide to Biblical Theology Helps Churches Avoid Heretical Doctrine.

To truly grasp Bible prophecy, we must first understand how God’s promises to Israel complement his vision for the church. While some believe God has forsaken Israel for the church, this goes against the nature of the faithful Lord we find in Scripture. In his latest book, native Israeli and best-selling author Amir Tsarfati makes clear what the Bible says about God’s unique master plans for his two chosen groups, Israel and the church.

In this groundbreaking book—available in audio for the first time—renowned Bible scholar, Anglican bishop, and bestselling author N. T. Wright argues that Christians have not distorted the Bible’s message about heaven and what happens after we die. For years, Christians have been asking...

Unique among most debates on homosexuality, this book presents a constructive dialogue between people who disagree on significant ethical and theological matters, and yet maintain a respectful and humanizing posture toward one another. Few topics are more divisive today than homosexuality. Two...

St Symeon's theology is a summation of a lifelong study of the Scriptures and fathers, of an immersion in the liturgical life of the Church and of lived experience. The treatises on the mystical life, usually rendered as The Ethical Discourses, comprise St Symeon's most extensive treatment of the experience of God. Volume I selects those treatises devoted to the Church, the sacraments and the last things. The SVS Press audiobook program is sponsored by St. Symeon Illumination Fund.

For centuries, believers have assumed that the teachings of the Reformers faithfully restored the message of the Bible. Yet when we examine the writings of the earliest Christians—the disciples of the apostles and the generations immediately after them—a very different picture emerges. The Deformation invites listeners to take a fresh and honest look at several foundational teachings of the Reformation—such as total depravity, penal substitutionary atonement, the meaning of “works of the law,” the role of free will, and the interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount.

Exploring the familial and communal identity of the church, Imes traces the thread of God's presence in the gathered community of faith across the entire Bible. She invites readers into a vision of the church that is rooted deeply in Scripture and speaks directly to the challenges we face today. Through this book, you'll discover that God keeps His promises. When God's people gather together, God shows up.