The Greek Search For Wisdom

The philosopher Alfred North Whitehead once said that all of Western philosophy was "but a series of footnotes to Plato." By the same token, one could argue that all of Western civilization is but an extension of the ancient Greek cultural legacy. The Greeks invented tragedy, comedy, lyric poetry, history, philosophy, and democracy. They also made remarkable advances in science, medicine, and mathematics. In the author’s view, what ties this wide-ranging intellectual ferment together is a restless search for wisdom. The author looks at ten outstanding examples of Greek wisdom, offering fresh and engaging portraits of the epic poets (Homer, Hesiod); dramatists (Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes); historians (Herodotus, Thucydides); and philosophers (Plato, Aristotle) against the background of Greek history. In each case he asks what the author has to tell us— regardless of genre—about our place in the world and how we should live our lives. By surveying some of the highest peaks of ancient civilization, the author argues that we gain perspective on the historical terrain that lies below. This book presents an eloquent and convincing case that a study of the Greek classics, as Gustave Flaubert explained, makes us "greater, wiser, purer."

Why is suffering the common lot of all people everywhere--believers and non-believers alike--and why does it seem that the world is out of control when it comes to the problem of pain and suffering? Who’s in Charge of a World that Suffers? includes an informative and inspirational new introduction by Franklin Graham that speaks to today’s reader in the midst of painful circumstances. In this book, originally titled Till Armageddon, world-renowned evangelist Billy Graham uncovers the clues the scriptures offer in answer to that universal question--why do people suffer? Readers will discover what the Bible says about: Why Christians are not exempt from suffering Living above your circumstances The place of prayer in suffering God’s promises for those who suffer And much more Christians are called to learn what it means to trust God in every circumstance, and to live for Him no matter what comes their way. It is essential to think more clearly about suffering, and to rearrange your priorities so that when your personal armageddons come, you will not be taken by surprise or be unprepared. Christian readers, pastors, Bible study leaders, and anyone questioning where God fits into suffering will find encouragement in this message of hope for a broken world.

Johnstone's interdisciplinary account ably demonstrates that in the ancient world it was both the content and form of speech that most directly inspired, awakened, and deepened the insights comprehended under the notion of wisdom.

Seeking Wisdom from God presents a fresh and unique look at some Biblical topics. Because knowledge increases faster than wisdom, we have an abundance of Biblical knowledge and a shortage of Biblical wisdom. Knowledge has increased, due to our advances in understanding the ancient Hebrew and Greek languages coupled with the dissecting of Scripture using historical, textual, and literary analysis. Tragically, Christianity looks nothing like its inception on the Day of Pentecost.  Why are there over 20,000 different denominations?  Why do I still sin daily?  Have we replaced Divine Illumination with historical, literary and textual analysis?  If Adam had not sinned, the world's population would have reached 100 billion in 1,836 years. How are we all going to fit on this planet when eternity begins?  Why did God plant a fruit-yielding tree in Eden and then forbid Adam and Eve from eating of its fruit? "This was a very good book by a man of great wisdom" Five Stars, LibraryThing Reviewer "It's such an eye opener book" Five Stars, LibraryThing Reviewer "This is an excellent book for Bible study. It brings Biblical truths into a new perspective" Five Stars, LibraryThing Reviewer "a marvelous fusion of faith and scholarship" -- First Editing

The NIV is the world's best-selling modern translation, with over 150 million copies in print since its first full publication in 1978. This highly accurate and smooth-reading version of the Bible in modern English has the largest library of printed and electronic support material of any modern translation.

Many of us tend to live as though Jesus represents the "spiritual part" of our lives. We don't clearly see how he relates to the rest of our experiences, desires, and habits. How can Jesus, the Bible, and Christianity become more than a compartmentalized part of our lives? Highly regarded New Testament scholar and popular teacher Jonathan Pennington argues that we need to recover the lost biblical image of Jesus as the one true philosopher who teaches us how to experience the fullness of our humanity in the kingdom of God. Jesus teaches us what is good, right, and beautiful and offers answers to life's big questions: what it means to be human, how to be happy, how to order our emotions, and how we should conduct our relationships. This book brings Jesus and Christianity into dialogue with the ancient philosophers who asked the same big questions about finding meaningful happiness. It helps us rediscover biblical Christianity as a whole-life philosophy, one that addresses our greatest human questions and helps us live meaningful and flourishing lives.

The national directory addresses the dimensions and perspectives in the formation of deacons and the model standards for the formation, ministry, and life of deacons in the United States. It is intended as a guideline for formation, ministry, and life of permanent deacons and a directive to be utilized when preparing or updating a diaconate program in formulating policies for the ministry and life of deacons. This volume also includes Basic Standards for Readiness for the formation of permanent deacons in the United States, from the bishops' Committee on the Diaconate, and the committee document Visit of Consultation Teams to Diocesan Permanent Diaconate Formation Programs.