Deepening Faith Hope And Love In Relations With Neighbors Of Other Faiths

The Reformation of the 16th century was a complex and multifaceted political, social, cultural, and religious process. Most historians agree, however, that in the framework of this process it was the religious and theological efforts to reform and renew the late medieval church—decadent and irrelevant in many ways—that were the initiating forces that set a broad historical movement in motion. Among these reforming religious and theological forces, the Lutheran reform movement was the most important and influential one. It was the historical impact of the theological genius of the Wittenberg professor Martin Luther (1483-1546) that profoundly changed and shaped the face of Europe and beyond. Today, Lutheranism has become a worldwide communion of churches that stretches from Germany to Siberia, Papua New Guinea, Madagascar, and Surinam. The second edition of the Historical Dictionary of Lutheranism presents information on major theological issues, historical developments of Lutheranism worldwide, Lutheran ecumenical and missionary involvement and activities, worship and liturgy, spirituality, social ethics, inter-religious and Jewish relations, Lutheranism and the arts, theology, and important representatives of Lutheranism. This is done through a detailed chronology, an introductory essay, an appendix of Lutheran Churches, a bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Lutheranism.

Against the backdrop of a general sense of what empire entails, the purpose of this book is to engage in some constructive theological reflection. Empire refers to various interrelated processes of domination and their effects that are in tension with biblical visions for life in community. There are countless effects and crucial ethical issues raised by empire, especially in economic and political terms. But it also poses deeply theological challenges because of how all-encompassing empire becomes, permeating how we think about ourselves and others, our world, our hopes and our desires. This book presuppose that the publicly embodied identity (or being) of the church in the midst of empire is fundamentally rooted in the life of the Triune God. From this Trinitarian perspective the writers develop theological responses that have the potential to counter, transform, and nurture long-term reform of empire, especially in and through communities of faith.

Description: Edinburgh 2010 has a special relevance for Christians in India particularly when we consider the contributions Indian Christians continue to make both academically as well as in their day-to-day lives to living out and promoting interfaith relations and interfaith dialogue. For the typical Indian Christian, living with a neighbor of another faith is a daily reality and this pluralism has also influenced Christians in India to view ecumenism in a realistic and appreciative manner. The essays in this book reflect not only this acceptance and celebration of pluralism within India but also by extension an acceptance as well as a need for unity among Indian Christians of different denominations. The essays were presented and studied at a preparatory consultation on Study Theme II: Christian Mission Among Other Faiths under the theme ""Interfaith Relations Among Other Faiths "" at the United Theological College, Bangalore, India from 17th - 19th July 2009. Interfaith Relations After One Hundred Years: Christian Mission Among Other Faiths contains material, which it is hoped will contribute to the aims of the overall Edinburgh 2010 publications, to be studied and reflected on both in the Church and for academic purposes. About the Contributor(s): Dr. Marina Ngursangzeli Behera, from the Presbyterian Church of India, Mizoram Synod, is an Associate Professor and currently teaches in the Department of History of Christianity at the United Theological College, Bangalore. She is also the Chairperson of the department.

A deeply personal journey to interfaith collaboration that offers hope for an inclusive and healing way of being together in the world. Too often religion seems to fuel more hatred than love, more conflict than collaboration. Interfaith Talk Radios interfaith amigosa pastor, a rabbi and an Imamprovide a rich understanding of the road to interfaith collaboration by sharing their stories, challenges, and the inner spiritual work necessary to go beyond tolerance to a vital, inclusive spirituality. From their deep commitment and lived experience, they present ways we can work together to transcend the differences that have divided us historically. Together they explore: The five stages of the interfaith journey The power of our stories The core of our traditions The promises and problems of our traditions New dimensions of spiritual identity And much more Along with inspiring insights and encouragement for tapping into the promise of interfaith dialogue, they provide practical actions, additional readings and discussion questions to help you embody their revolutionary spirit of healing.

This is a book for pacesetters -- church leaders who desire to help their churches break free of the things that turn them in on themselves. It is a masterly mix of biblical principle, objective analysis, and personal experience.

This book, arising from over twenty years experience of working with the world's major faiths, draws extensively upon joint World Bank and ARC (Alliance of Religion and Conservation)/WWF (World Wildlife Fund for Nature) projects world wide. It shows, through stories, land management, myths, investment policies, legends, advocacy and celebration, the role the major faiths have, do and can play in making the world a better place. The major faiths are the oldest institutions in the world and have survived essentially because they are constantly evolving and changing. There is much to be learnt by newer institutions such as the World Bank and the multitudes of NGOs about how to remain true to what you believe but change and grow as you develop. The book explores issues of climate change, forestry, asset management, education and biodiversity protection and does so using the techniques of the great faiths storytelling, example and celebration. It reveals a variety of world views and it asks us to see that our personal view may be just one amongst many. The challenge of living with integrity in a pluralist world underlies the book and it offers models of how diversity is crucial in attempting to ensure we have a sustainable world.