isbn 9780281062119    £9.99

Keith Ward introduces this volume by suggesting that the Bible is neither a book dictated by God, as some believe, nor just a set of outdated taboos and politically slanted histories, as those at the opposite extreme would maintain.   Rather, it is a very mixed set of documents, by many different writers, from many different times, which records the struggle of many people in one particular religious tradition to respond to their discernment of a transcendent spiritual power.

The bible is, in short,. a spiritual text.

 

SPCK Publications 2010
isbn 9780281060856       £12.99

In Anglicanism Reimagined, Andrew Shanks challenges all who are tempted to erect boundaries around their faith.  Far more important than dogma and metaphysics, he argues, is the need to be open to all, and to engage with people who hold views at odds with our own.   He shows how a commitment to this ideal can create fresh energy and new ways forward for the Church.


 

'Ali Green opens up new frontiers in the debate about the theology and significance of women's ordination.   This is the first book to offer a developed sacramental theology of female priesthood from the perspective of a scholar who is herself an ordained priest.   It is likely to be welcomed by all who seek a renewal of the Christian vision through the embrace of the priesthood of women made in the image of God.'
(Tina Beattie, Professor in Catholic Studies)
 

The Healer from Nazareth: Jesus' miracles in historical context.  Eric Eve, SPCK 2009
'This book offers an accessible, learned account of Jesus' miracles. Eve's mastery of the ancient sources, commitment to the social sciences, and sensitive exegetical and theological reading of the Gospels integrates approaches to the study of Jesus that are too frequently kept apart. This book is a must for anyone wishing to be informed about the context of Jesus' activity and hoping to be intelligently inspired by it'
(L Stuckenbruch, Prof of Biblical Studies, University of Durham)

The Seven Deadly Sins: Their origin in the spiritual teaching of Evagrius the Hermit.  Angela Tilby, SPCK 2009

Does the Church's teaching on sin succeed in exposing what is truly wrong with humanity?

A man who struggled with the nature of sin was Evagrius of Pontus, a fourth-century hermit. Building on ancient traditions of wisdom, he formulated the idea of 'eight evil thoughts' that could lead to sin. From these, others later derived the 'seven deadly sins'.

Angela Tilby skilfully relates Evagrius' thinking on sin, its source in our instincts for survival and how these natural instincts can be tranformed as we discover the truth about our inner lives. (Benedicta Ward, Oxford University)

'Wonderfully and wittily written' (Frank Field MP)

The Selfless Gene: Living with God and Darwin.  Charles Foster, Hodder & Stoughton, 2009

In The Selfless Gene, Charles Foster assesses the claims of Neo-Darwinists and Young Earth Creationists, demonstrating that orthodox Christianity is not incompatible with what evolutionary biology says about our world. The real issue, he argues, centres around the ethical implications of natural selection, and what such a system – based on selfishness, waste and death – might say about the loving creator God of the Christian faith.

Intelligent, provocative and accessible, this book offers the prospect of a reasoned dialogue between faith and scientific study, and a reconciliation of what are popularly seen as two opposing worldviews.

Questions of Truth: Fifty-one responses to Questions about God, Science and Belief.  John Polkinghorne & Nicholas Beale WJK Press, 2009

For many years, people from across the world have sent the scientist-turned-theologian John Polkinghorne questions about science and belief. In Q&A format, Polkinghorne and Beale offer captivating responses. Readers can follow their own paths through the book, selecting questions that interest them and looking at the additional material if they choose. The result is a unique book that explores the rich harmonies between science and belief.

The First Paul: Reclaiming the radical visionary behind the Church's conservative icon, by Marcus J Borg & John Dominic Crossan (SPCK 2009) £8.99

Paul is second only to Jesus as the most important person for the birth of Christianity, and yet he continues to be controversial, even among Christians.  Using the best biblical and historical scholarship, Borg and Crossan explain the reasons for Paul's mixed reputation and reveal his original teachings. They demonstrate that Paul was an engaging man who, contrary to what his critics have claimed, remained remarkably faithful to the gospel of Jesus.

Christology brings together a range of texts on the doctrine of the person of Jesus Christ.  Carefully selected primary sources are accompanied by an introductory essay, topics for discussion or additional study, a helpful glossary and suggestions for further reading.

Covering an impressive range of writers, including Athanasius, Calvin, Barth, Moltmann, Kung and Ruether, this is an invaluable resource for every student of Theology.
 

"Very few books manage to combine sensitive and accurate historical scholarship with deep personal engagement and indeed exposure; this is one of them.   Susan Holman courageously bridges the gap between the scholarly study of early Christianity and the challenges of Christian discipleship today with a real depth of insight and no trace of romanticism about the past.   A unique achievement." Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury.