9781433535970
$17.22 USD $18.99 USD
Art is all around you.
Yet few of us can effectively explain why certain movies, books, plays, and songs resonate so profoundly within us, and more importantly how they attest to God’s character.
Professor Jerram Barrs gives us the three key elements for evaluating great art. He then puts those qualifiers to the test by investigating five of the world’s most influential authors—empowering us to better understand the character of God and helping others to know him too.
“Echoes of Eden is the most accessible, readable, and yet theologically robust work on Christianity and the arts that you will be able to find. It is biblical, theologically sound, filled with examples, and edifying. It anticipates and answers well all the most common questions that evangelical people ask about the arts. I highly recommend it.”
Timothy J. Keller, Pastor, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City; best-selling author, The Reason for God
“Jerram Barrs clearly loves the Christian vision of being human, and he loves human beings of all sorts. In this book he helps us to enjoy the fundamentally human activity of the arts, showing us how ‘all great art contains elements of the true story: the story of the good creation, the fallen world, and the longing for redemption.’ The chapters giving us a tour of great Christian writers—Lewis, Tolkien, Rowling, Shakespeare, and Austen—bubble over with passionate delight in these authors’ artistic and moral achievements.”
C. John Collins, Professor of Old Testament, Covenant Theological Seminary; author, The God of Miracles, Science, and Faith: Friends or Foes?
“For as long as I have known him, Jerram Barrs has passionately loved the arts. In Echoes of Eden he lets us share his passion by allowing us a glimpse of the beauty, truth, and grace he sees in the imaginative work of C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, J. K. Rowling, William Shakespeare, and Jane Austen. If he stopped there, this would be a book worth reading, but he digs far deeper, framing our understanding of the arts within the biblical worldview. From that perspective, human creativity is a good gift of God in a broken world, an expression of the image of the Creator in which we are made. Because of the brokenness, Barrs outlines eleven broad categories by which to judge a piece of art, since God’s image is always portrayed in ways that are flawed and incomplete. I hope Echoes of Eden is read and discussed widely by Christians. The truth of its message can help nurture a Christian imagination, restore the arts to their proper place in the church, and help us frame the unchanging gospel in a way that will cause a postmodern world to consider its claims.”
Denis Haack, Director, Ransom Fellowship; Visiting Instructor in practical theology, Covenant Seminary
“Evangelical Christianity has long been conflicted over the arts and in particular the literary artistry of such lights as Austen, Tolkien, and Rowling. Some justify such literature only insofar as it functions as an elaborately coded gospel tract. Others, despairing of any Christian rationale, confess such writings to be a distraction, a guilty pleasure, or even satanic. Now, with his typical blend of profundity and lucidity, Jerram Barrs clears away the clutter of much-touted but ultimately muddled arguments and sets forth a clear framework for any Christians interested in thinking biblically about art, not least those Christians who like to spend time in such places as Hogwarts or Middle-earth. Turn the page and prepare to worship!”
Nicholas Perrin, Dean, Wheaton College Graduate School
“A beautiful book on the contours of beauty by a beautiful man. Jerram Barrs here presents a lifetime of meditations on a subject close to his heart. The arts, he argues, are not a luxury, nor are they the savior. Instead they are an integral part of human life because they provide a unique window onto divine truth and the truth of the divine. The chapter on how to judge the arts is alone worth the price of admission. Reading these pages one can tell that art is not the subject for Jerram, but a rich palette, one he has lived with over the years. The arts, in his assessment, tell us not only what has been lost after Eden, but also how we may return to that gorgeous land. This book will enrich both professional artists and anyone else sensitive to the power of the arts for all of life.”
William Edgar, Professor of Apologetics, Westminster Theological Seminary
“One of the obvious virtues of this book is its balance between theory and literary criticism of specific authors. The first five chapters are a carefully constructed Christian aesthetic. The second half of the book applies the theory to five authors. The splendid organization of the book makes it easy to read, and there is an admirable range in the subjects covered, as the five theoretic chapters systematically discuss the questions that Christians really ask about the arts, while the addition of Shakespeare and Jane Austen to Christian fantasy writers provides a pleasing scope. Finally, the book has a latent apologetic angle that I liked, not only in the theoretic chapters with their defense of the arts, but also in the chapters on specific authors, as Barrs explains why he is an enthusiast for each of them.”
Leland Ryken, Emeritus Professor of English, Wheaton College
'This is a wonderful book, especially for those who want to enhance their knowledge of how the church should view the arts. Jerram Barrs brings an intellectually informed and profoundly pastoral approach to confront the misunderstanding and animosity that frequently exist between evangelical Christians and popular contemporary literature such as the Harry Potter series. This book is a must read for anyone who has a burden to see the creation as it is reflected in today’s pop culture.”
Mike Higgins, Dean of Students, Covenant Theological Seminary
“This is a marvelous book for Christians who wish to think well and biblically about culture. Professor Barrs’s thesis—that human cultural production always has its genesis in something I have for years called the ‘Edenic memory’—is spot on. By providing a careful theological analysis of the origins of culture, the book teaches us how to live wisely and rightly in a world overflowing with cultural artifacts. Barrs’s observation on the nature and role of fantasy in the Harry Potter chapter is particularly thoughtful, and his chapter on how we are to judge the arts is as fine as anything I’ve read on the subject.”
Grant Horner, Associate Professor of Renaissance and Reformation, The Master’s College; author, Meaning at the Movies
“When a lawyer asked Jesus, ‘Who is my neighbor?’ Jesus didn’t preach a sermon; he told a story, and with it he disclosed a profound truth. In Echoes of Eden, Jerram Barrs shows us how novelists, playwrights, and poets—much like Jesus—open our eyes and broaden our understanding. He shows us how, by creating worlds, people, problems, and circumstances, great writers put us in touch with the human condition: the struggles and joys, as well as the grief and great satisfactions. In these few pages, Barrs shows us why, especially in the twenty-first century, we need good books: they help us become fully human.”
Richard Doster, Editor, byFaith magazine; author, Safe at Home
“In a clear and attractive style, Jerram Barrs writes with passion about the ‘Echoes of Eden’ in the arts, which are so central to our humanity, whatever our beliefs. Graciously and with wisdom, he picks up a conversation that has already included such Christian thinkers as John Calvin, Dorothy L. Sayers, J. R. R. Tolkien, and C. S. Lewis. Illustrations that he draws from the fiction of Lewis, Tolkien, J. K. Rowling, the still enormously popular Jane Austen, and others make even more vivid his insightful reflections. Reading his gift of a book is an enriching and inspiring experience not to be missed.”
Colin Duriez, author, Tolkien and C.S. Lewis: The Gift of Friendship, A-Z of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien: The Making of a Legend
“Jerram Barrs offers a compelling Christian defense of the imagination as a vehicle of truth and of the need to reclaim an imitative (as opposed to a self-expressive) view of the arts. He not only quotes C. S. Lewis wisely, but has written a book of which Lewis would have approved.”
Louis Markos, Professor of English, Scholar in Residence, and Robert H. Ray Chair of Humanities, Houston Baptist University; author, Restoring Beauty: The Good, the True, and the Beautiful in the Writings of C. S. Lewis
1. God and Humans as Creative Artists
2. Imitation, the Heart of the Christian’s Approach to Creativity
3. Building a Christian Understanding of the Artist’s Calling
4. How Do We Judge the Arts?
5. Echoes of Eden: God’s Testimony to the Truth
6. The Conversion of C. S. Lewis and Echoes of Eden in His Life
7. Echoes of Eden in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings
8. Harry Potter and the Triumph of Self-Sacrificing Love
9. Shakespeare and a Christian Worldview
10. Jane Austen, Novelist of the Human Heart
Appendix: The “Outing” of Dumbledore
Category: | Arts & Literature Academic |
---|---|
Format: | Paperback |
Page Count: | 208 |
ISBN-10: | 1-4335-3597-1 |
ISBN-13: | 978-1-4335-3597-0 |
Size: | 5.5 in x 8.5 in |
Weight: | 9.0 ounces |
Published: | May 31, 2013 |
$18.69 USD $19.99 USD
Must the gospel message include a call for people to repent of their sins? “No,” say Free Grace advocates. Is evidence of a changed life an important indication of whether a person is truly born again? “No, again,” these advocates say.
But in this book, Wayne Grudem shows how the Bible answers “Yes” to both of these questions, arguing that the Free Grace movement contradicts both historic Protestant teaching and the New Testament itself.
This important book explains the true nature of the Christian gospel and answers the question asked by so many people: “How can I know that I’m saved?”
“Credence without commitment and assurance without action are the hallmarks of the so-called Free Grace version of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is, however, unbiblical, anti-evangelical, and sub-Christian, as Grudem’s patient and well-informed analysis clearly shows.”
J. I. Packer, Board of Governors' Professor of Theology, Regent College
“The so-called ‘lordship controversy’ has been simmering for several decades now. I’m thankful for several fresh resources that deal with these matters accurately and succinctly. Wayne Grudem’s book in particular is an excellent and very useful digest of the main doctrinal and biblical issues under debate. He answers the questions with uncommon clarity and skill, always from Scripture.”
John MacArthur, Pastor, Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, California; President, The Master's College and Seminary
“Within evangelicalism, there is a kind of presentation of the Bible’s teaching on grace that actually diminishes what the Bible teaches about grace, while purporting to elaborate and emphasize it. Wayne Grudem carefully, charitably, wisely, and pastorally takes on that kind of teaching in this book. This is an issue that especially pastors and those preparing to be pastors need to think through clearly, because confusion in our teaching and preaching on this will harm the sheep and our witness.”
J. Ligon Duncan III, Chancellor and CEO, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi
“Ever so fair and irenic, New Testament scholar and trusted theologian Wayne Grudem gives no quarter to the purveyors of the so-called Free Grace gospel as he exposes their troubling pattern of selective reading of the standard Greek lexicons, as well as of famed theologians, to effect the illusion of support for their position. Grudem does more than demolish a house of cards as he pastorally lays out what the New Testament says about the nature of the gospel, repentance, faith, and assurance. Grudem’s critique is a gift of love to the church universal, and especially to those under the unfortunate thrall of errant teaching.”
R. Kent Hughes, Visiting Professor of Practical Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary
“With grace, patience, pastoral tenderness, and honesty, Wayne Grudem takes a careful look at biblical teaching on the gospel and evangelism as he critically examines the teaching of what is called ‘Free Grace.’ As well intentioned as this position is, Grudem argues it falls short in five areas. He is fair, citing Free Grace materials in full and engaging biblical texts with care. I commend this book as one who has had similar discussions on these topics with people who hold this position, people whom I also respect as Grudem does.”
Darrell L. Bock, Executive Director of Cultural Engagement, Howard G. Hendricks Center, and Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
“This book is charitable yet rock-solid in its penetrating insights regarding the Free Grace movement. The soteriology of this movement is thoroughly consistent—and deeply flawed. Grudem has addressed a number of the key issues and texts in a gracious and gentle manner. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in the Free Grace movement and its implications for the gospel.”
Daniel B. Wallace, Senior Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
“Wayne Grudem’s book on Free Grace is the best I have read on the subject, and I commend it with enthusiasm for several reasons. First, it is biblically saturated, showing us again and again what the Scriptures say. Second, Grudem’s explanations are so clear that virtually any Christian can read and understand this book. Third, the book is amazingly kind, generous, and charitable. Grudem isn’t on the attack. He loves those with whom he disagrees, and that love shines through the book. Fourth, Grudem recognizes the issue is massively important since it has to do with the nature of the gospel we preach and proclaim. He argues convincingly that works are a necessary fruit of salvation, which doesn’t threaten free grace but upholds what the great Reformers taught about salvation.”
Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Associate Dean of the School of Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
“This excellent and insightful book is much needed in the church today, especially in view of ever-increasing focus on the nature of the gospel. His analysis of the ill-named Free Grace movement is clear, thoroughly biblical, and entirely persuasive. He deals forthrightly yet charitably with the views of those who advocate this mistaken conception of the gospel of God’s grace in Jesus Christ. All Christians will benefit greatly from reading Grudem’s analysis. I cannot recommend this book too highly.”
Sam Storms, Lead Pastor for Preaching and Vision, Bridgeway Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
“With care and weighty biblical and historical argumentation, Grudem applies his clear-headed reasoning to show where the Free Grace view has gone wrong. Because this disagreement has to do with the very nature of the gospel, saving faith, and the basis of assurance, it is critical that Christians understand rightly what Scripture teaches on these matters. “Free Grace” Theology provides an excellent guide to understanding why the traditional Protestant and Reformed view of these matters accurately expresses biblical teaching and where the Free Grace view misleads. Every Christian can benefit from reading this book, to grow in clarity and conviction of understanding of what salvation by faith alone truly means.”
Bruce A. Ware, T. Rupert and Lucille Coleman Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Conclusion
Bibliography
General Index
Scripture Index
$14.94 USD $14.99 USD
YOU’VE GOT MAIL – OF ENCOURAGMENT AND SUPPORT – DIRECTLY FROM THE APOSTLE PAUL. When you open the Smart Guide to the Bible Series: Corinthians, it’s like opening your mail box and finding personal letters from the Paul! In writing to his beloved church, he left a Christian “how-to” guide to believers of today. Nowhere will you find more words of encouragement, advice on conflict, the value within suffering and knowledge about your spiritual gifts than from Paul. And this is the book that will help guide you through it all.
Contributor(s) | Dewey Bertolini , Larry Richards |
---|---|
About the Contributor(s) |
Dewey Bertolini Dewey Bertolini is the Teaching Shepherd at New Hope Christian Fellowship in McMinnville, Oregon. Dewey has spoken to thousands of students and adults across the country and inspired them in their walk with Jesus Christ. Larry Richards Dr. Larry Richards is a native of Michigan who now lives in Raleigh, North Carolina. Larry has taught and written Sunday school curriculum for every age group, and he has published more than two hundred books. |
ISBN-10 | 1418510130 |
ISBN-13 | 9781418510138 |
Release Date | May 5, 2009 |
Weight (lbs) | 1.3400 |
Height | 9.38 |
Width | 7.63 |
Length | 352 |
Length Unit | Pages |
Publisher | Thomas Nelson |
Who It's For | Men, Teen Boy 13-17, Teen Girl 13-17, Women |
Series | The Smart Guide to the Bible Series |
Format | Paperback |
Language | English |
$27.23 USD $28.00 USD
1 and 2 Kings is the second volume in the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible and follows Jaroslav Pelikan's volume on Acts. It is the first Old Testament commentary in the series. This volume, like each in the series, is designed to serve the church--through aid in preaching, teaching, study groups, and so forth--and demonstrate the continuing intellectual and practical viability of theological interpretation of the Bible.
The general editor for the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible is R. R. Reno (editor, First Things). Series editors include Robert W. Jenson (Center of Theological Inquiry); Robert Louis Wilken (University of Virginia); Ephraim Radner (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto); Michael Root (Catholic University of America); and George Sumner (Episcopal Diocese of Dallas).
Scheduled Contributors R. R. Reno (editor, First Things) on Genesis Thomas Joseph White (Dominican House of Studies) on Exodus Ephraim Radner (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto) on Leviticus David L. Stubbs (Western Theological Seminary) on Numbers Telford Work (Westmont College) on Deuteronomy Paul Hinlicky (Roanoke College) on Joshua Laura A. Smit (Calvin College) and Stephen Fowl (Loyola College) on Judges & Ruth Francesca Aran Murphy (University of Notre Dame) on 1 Samuel Robert Barron (Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles) on 2 Samuel Peter J. Leithart (Theopolis Institute for Bible, Liturgy, and Culture) on 1 & 2 Kings Peter J. Leithart (Theopolis Institute for Bible, Liturgy, and Culture) on 1 & 2 Chronicles Matthew Levering (Mundelein Seminary) on Ezra & Nehemiah Samuel Wells (St. Martin-in-the-Fields Anglican Church, London) and George Sumner (Episcopal Diocese of Dallas) on Esther & Daniel Charles Raith II (John Brown University) on Job Ellen T. Charry (Princeton Theological Seminary) on Psalms 1–50 Lauren Winner (Duke Divinity School) on Psalms 51–100 Jason Byassee (Vancouver School of Theology) on Psalms 101–150 Reinhard Hütter (Duke Divinity School) on Psalm 119 Daniel J. Treier (Wheaton College) on Proverbs & Ecclesiastes Paul J. Griffiths (Duke Divinity School) on Song of Songs Paul Martens (Baylor University) on Isaiah Kevin Vanhoozer (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) on Jeremiah Robert W. Jenson (Center of Theological Inquiry) on Ezekiel Mark S. Gignilliat (Beeson Divinity School, Samford University) on the Minor Prophets Phillip Cary (Eastern University) on Jonah James B. Jordan (Theopolis Institute for Bible, Liturgy, and Culture) on Zechariah & Haggai Stanley Hauerwas (Duke Divinity School) on Matthew John Michael McDermott (Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, OH) on Mark David Lyle Jeffrey (Baylor University) on Luke Bruce Marshall (Southern Methodist University) on John Jaroslav Pelikan (Yale University) on Acts David Yeago (Trinity School for Ministry) on Romans Kimlyn Bender (Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University) on 1 Corinthians D. Brent Laytham (St. Mary’s Seminary & University) on 2 Corinthians Kimlyn Bender (Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University) on 1 Corinthians Kathryn Greene-McCreight (The Episcopal Church at Yale) on Galatians John Webster (University of St. Andrews) on Ephesians George Hunsinger (Princeton Theological Seminary) on Philippians Christopher R. Seitz (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto) on Colossians Douglas Farrow (McGill University) on 1 & 2 Thessalonians Risto Saarinen (University of Helsinki) on the Pastoral Epistles with Philemon & Jude R. David Nelson (Baker Academic & Brazos Press) on Hebrews Timothy George (Beeson Divinity School, Samford University) on James Douglas Harink (The King’s University College) on 1 & 2 Peter Michael Root (Catholic University of America) on the Letters of John Joseph L. Mangina (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto) on Revelation
$20.48 USD $24.99 USD
The Thessalonian epistles are probably best known for what they reveal about the last days. But there is much more to these letters than just end times prophecy. In this devotional commentary, John F. Walvoord, one of evangelicalism's most prominent leaders, and Mark Hitchcock, a leading Bible prophecy expert, guide you through the prophecy and exhort believers on practical matters such as moral purity, disciplined living, church relationships, prayer and church discipline.
Walvoord's stalwart writing has been greatly expanded upon by Hitchcock, with additional introductory and background material, charts, and in-depth explanations at key points. Now also updated with the Bible content in the English Standard Version (ESV), this volume in the renewed Walvoord Commentary Series stands ready to reach a whole new generation with the spiritual insights the apostle Paul had for the Thessalonians.