This new series of books challenges United Methodists to engage in life-transforming practices. Each book explains a theme and underscores major emphases within the United Methodist denomination: * How should I read and study the Bible? * How should I pray and engage in my devotional life? * How can I reach out and share my faith? Each adult study is divided into four sections with suggestions for group discussion, and can be completed in 4 to 8 sessions. No leader's guide is needed. In the 4 chapters of this book four authors contribute with different emphases to the process of Bible study and interpretation. Catherine Gonzalez's chapter summarizes the roles of the Bible in the periods of the early church, the early and later Middle Ages, and the Protestant Reformation. The chapter by Ben Witherington concentrates on the Bible in early Methodism, focusing on John Wesley, Francis Asbury and Richard Watson. Dr. Tilson's chapter addresses issues of contemporary scriptural study and interpretation, emphasizing the significance of historical context. Gayle Carlton Felton's concluding chapter investigates distinctively United Methodist approaches to and uses of the Bible.

How United Methodists Study Scripture

Religion & Spirituality

Ben Witherington

Catherine Gunsalus González

C. Everett Tilson

Everett Tilson

Christian Books & Bibles

ABINGDON PRESS *

A passionate call for theological thinking that challenges our intellect, enriches our faith, kindles our heart, and infuses our daily life. The assumption in much of the church is that theology is an obstacle to a vital, growing faith, not an aid to it. In fact, everyone is a theologian―either a good one or a bad one. So what are the advantages of thinking intentionally about matters of theology and how they can guide, inform, and nourish our faith? What are the components of good thinking and what are some ways we can cultivate it? As the contributors to this volume make clear, theology is for everyday and every person, as all are called to be thoughtful followers of Jesus. They make the case for how a living, thoughtful faith and how learning to think about God can launch your faith and make it powerful and alive.This engaging volume will help lay people, incoming college students, and prospective seminarians understand that vital faith is as much about our mind as it is about a warm heart. “Cultivating a Thoughtful Faith challenges the intellect while touching the heart. It advances our understanding of how to love God with all our minds. We in Christian higher education celebrate this contribution to a deeper understanding of our calling.” --- Robert C. Andringa, President, Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, Washington, D.C. “Rather than reserving theology for a classroom or Sunday morning discussion, these essays challenge the reader to make sure that theology engages the imagination and the intellect, the heart and the mind. The writers remind us that a thoughtful faith compels us to change the world by transforming our daily lives from the inside out.” --- Barbara Oliver Korner, Associate Dean, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida. Edited by Maxie Dunnam and Steve Moore (Essays by Paul W. Chilcote, Maxie D. Dunnam, Steve Harper, George G. Hunter III, Steve G. W. Moore, Howard A. Snyder, and Ben Witherington III) Maxie Dunnam is the Chancellor of Asbury Theological Seminary, and formerly served as the fifth President of the Seminary (1994-2004). His many books include The Workbook of Living Prayer, Staying the Course, and the forthcoming Praying the Story. Steve Moore, a well-known leader in Christian higher education and spiritual formation, is the Senior Vice President of Asbury Theological Seminary and the President of the Asbury Foundation for Theological Education. He is the author of College 101: A Guide to Getting the Most Out of College. Paul Chilcote is Professor Historical Theology and Wesleyan Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. His recent works include Her Own Story and The Wesleyan Tradition. Steve Harper is the Vice President of the Florida campus of Asbury Theological Seminary (Orlando), and teaches spiritual formation and Wesleyan studies. He has written Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition. George Hunter is Distinguished Professor of Communications and Evangelism, and formerly Dean of the E. Stanley Jones School of World Mission and Evangelism at Asbury Theological Seminary. His books include How To Reach Secular People (1992), Church for the Unchurched (1996), The Celtic Way of Evangelism (2000), and Radical Outreach (2003), all from Abingdon Press. Howard Snyder is Professor of the History and Theology of Mission at the E. Stanley Jones School of World Mission and Evangelism at Asbury Theological Seminary. He has written Decoding the Church: Mapping the DNA of Christ’s Body. Ben Witherington III is Professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary. A much sought-after speaker and prolific author, his recent work includes The Brother of Jesus.

Cultivating a Thoughtful Faith

Howard A. Snyder

Steve Harper

George G. Hunter

Transported two thousand years into the past, readers are introduced to Antipas, a Roman civic leader who has encountered the writings of the biblical author Luke. Luke's history sparks Antipas's interest, and they begin corresponding. As Antipas tells Luke of his reactions to the writing and of his meetings with local Christians, it becomes evident that he is changing his mind about them and Jesus. Finally, a gladiatorial contest in Pergamum forces difficult decisions on the local Christians and on Antipas. While the account is fictional, the author is a respected biblical scholar who weaves into this fascinating scenario reliable historical information. Bruce Longenecker is able to mix fact and fiction and paint an interesting and valuable study of the New Testament world and early Christianity. Readers are invited to view Jesus and the early church from a fresh perspective, as his first followers are brought to life. More reliable than typical historical fiction and far more interesting than standard textbooks and reference books, The Lost Letters of Pergamum provides readers with a delightful opportunity to step into the world of the New Testament. Pastors, Bible study groups, and all thoughtful readers will enjoy this book, which one reviewer said he "couldn't put down. "

The Lost Letters of Pergamum: A Story from the New Testament World

Literature & Fiction

Bruce W. Longenecker

Genre Fiction

Baker Academic

This unprecedented commentary applies an exegetical method informed by both sociological insight and rhetorical analysis to the study of 1 and 2 Corinthians. In addition to using traditional exegetical and historical methods, this unique study also analyzes the two letters of Paul in terms of Greco-Roman rhetoric and ancient social conditions and customs to shed fresh light on the context and content of Paul's message. Includes 21 black-and-white photos and illustrations.

Conflict and Community in Corinth

Reference

Words, Language & Grammar

Paternoster Press

Witherington aims to look at the broader expression of prophecy in its ancient Mediterranean context in an attempt to better understand biblical prophecy in that wider context. Equipped with an impressive appreciation for the cross-cultural nature of prophecy in the ancient world, Witherington is then able to look at the prophetic role of Jesus.

Jesus the Seer: The Progress of Prophecy

Tyndale House Publishers

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Ben Witherington. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Ben Witherington