Christianity And Its Competitors

Jim McGoldrick examines the major challenges to biblical belief that appeared in the early years of the church. He then traces how they have stayed alive, though with new names, gaining acceptance in the 21st century. --from publisher description.

Originally published in 1925, this book examines the main alternatives at the time to Christianity specifically and religion more generally.

Economics can help us understand the evolution and development of religion, from the market penetration of the Reformation to an exploration of today's hot-button issues including evolution and gay marriage. This startlingly original (and sure to be controversial) account of the evolution of Christianity shows that the economics of religion has little to do with counting the money in the collection basket and much to do with understanding the background of today's religious and political divisions. Since religion is a set of organized beliefs, and a church is an organized body of worshippers, it's natural to use a science that seeks to explain the behavior of organizations—economics—to understand the development of organized religion. The Marketplace of Christianity applies the tools of economic theory to illuminate the emergence of Protestantism in the sixteenth century and to examine contemporary religion-influenced issues, including evolution and gay marriage. The Protestant Reformation, the authors argue, can be seen as a successful penetration of a religious market dominated by a monopoly firm—the Catholic Church. The Ninety-five Theses nailed to the church door in Wittenberg by Martin Luther raised the level of competition within Christianity to a breaking point. The Counter-Reformation, the Catholic reaction, continued the competitive process, which came to include "product differentiation" in the form of doctrinal and organizational innovation. Economic theory shows us how Christianity evolved to satisfy the changing demands of consumers—worshippers. The authors of The Marketplace of Christianity avoid value judgments about religion. They take preferences for religion as given and analyze its observable effects on society and the individual. They provide the reader with clear and nontechnical background information on economics and the economics of religion before focusing on the Reformation and its aftermath. Their analysis of contemporary hot-button issues—science vs. religion, liberal vs. conservative, clerical celibacy, women and gay clergy, gay marriage—offers a vivid illustration of the potential of economic analysis to contribute to our understanding of religion.

This interdisciplinary text examines the sports-Christianity interface from Protestant and Catholic perspectives. In addition to a "systematic review of literature," field-pioneering contributors such as Michael Novak, Shirl Hoffman, Joseph Price and Robert Higgs address a wide range of topics from the sporting world, including biblical athletic metaphors, disability, evangelism, professionalism and celebrity, humility and pride, genetic enhancement technologies, stereotypes, sport as art and British and American historical analyses of sport and Christianity. Insightful chapters from Scott Kretchmar, one of the world’s leading philosophers of sport, and Father Kevin Lixey, the head of the Vatican’s ‘Church and Sport’ office (2004-), add further depth and breadth to this book, making it accessible and interesting to academic and practitioner audiences alike. Within the context of this relatively new and rapidly expanding area of inquiry, this collection provides a unique and important addition to the current literature for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, and serves as a point of reference for scholars of theology and religious studies, psychology, health studies, ethics and sports studies. The book may also be of interest to physical educators and sports coaches who wish to adopt a more "holistic" and ethical approach to their work. As modern sport is often intertwined with commercial and political agendas, this book offers an important corrective to the "win-at-all-costs" culture of modern sport, which cannot be fully understood through secular ethical inquiry.

The book puts the current interest in historical Jesus research into a proper historical context, highlighting Gnosticism’s lasting influence on early Christianity and making the provocative claim that nearly all Christian Churches are in some way descended from Roman Christianity. Breaking with the accepted wisdom of Christianity’s origins, the revised history it puts forward challenges the assumptions of Church and secular historians, biblical critics and general readers alike, with profound repercussions for scholarship, belief and practice.

What does it mean to be competitive? What is the origin of competitiveness? Is being competitive part of God's plan for us? How did bible characters successfully cope with or enact competitiveness? Can we find purpose or lasting blessings through competitiveness? Should a Christian be Competitive? Humanity in general, is on treadmill of competitiveness. We are ensconced in the belief that success is tantamount to being competitive and vice-versa; we are encouraged to constantly compare ourselves to others and aim to be ahead of our neighbour in whatever capacity we fancy. However, there are no universal social guidelines for what constitutes competitiveness. The boundary of what is acceptable under the guise of competitiveness is depends on each individual's conscience and moral proclivity. The author, Esther Emmanuel, in this book explores the issue of competitiveness within the context of the Christian faith. This book is made up of 15 chapters and subdivided into five parts: 1. In the beginning - explores God's purpose for individual lives, the nature of individual gifting and the emergence of the competitive spirit in the Garden of Eden.2. Competitiveness in the family - uses the biblical narratives on Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers, Hannah and Peninnah to highlight emotional issues associated with competitiveness in this context e.g. sibling rivalry, jealousy, envy, schadenfreude, emotional detachment from family members and the power of supplication3. Competitiveness in the workplace - the stories of Saul and David, Mordecai and Haman, Daniel and the Babylonians is used to explore the importance of social status, control, pride, self esteem narcissism and the paradigm of competitive collaboration.4. Competitiveness in the church - explores how competitiveness underrates serendipity, as well as the teachings of Jesus on this subject.5. Should a Christian be competitive: - examines the role of fear in competitive situations and explores the pursuit of excellence as an alternative to competitivenessIt reveals several vital issues such as: inadvertent labelling of behavioural or emotional disorders as competitiveness; elements of Christian values that cannot be compromised in a competitive scenario; strategies for coping with competitive situationsThis book provides insightful, bible-centred counsel to people who are inherently competitive, or those facing difficulties with relationships within their family, church or workplace as a result of overt competitiveness. It offers clarity, strength and wisdom necessary for such individuals to move on, and to fulfil God's destiny and purpose for their lives

Going to college can be exciting, anxiety inducing, and expensive! You want your child to get the most out of their college experience—what advice do you give? Thriving at College by Alex Chediak is the perfect gift for a college student or a soon-to-be college student. Filled with wisdom and practical advice from a seasoned college professor and student mentor, Thriving at College covers the ten most common mistakes that college students make—and how to avoid them! Alex leaves no stone unturned—he discusses everything from choosing a major and discerning one’s vocation to balancing academics and fun, from cultivating relationships with peers and professors to helping students figure out what to do with their summers. Most importantly, this book will help students not only keep their faith but build a vibrant faith and become the person God created them to be.