Westminster/John Knox Press,U.S.

Dysvangelical names a theology that is distorted, dysfunctional, and dystopian, twisting the good news of God’s grace into a message of fear, partisanship, and exclusion.In Being Presbyterian in a Dysvangelical America, Ted V. Foote Jr. and P. Alex Thornburg speak directly to Presbyterians who are disillusioned and confused by how Christianity is being misused in American culture. So often, our beliefs as faithful Christians do not line up with the shouted chants and disturbing actions taken by those claiming to represent a true vision of Christianity. Twenty-five years after their best-selling book Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt, the authors return with fresh urgency to affirm the heart of Reformed theology and what it means to be truly evangelical in a time of theological and cultural distortion. With clarity, compassion, and a touch of humor, Being Presbyterian in a Dysvangelical America equips readers to name what feels wrong, rediscover what is right, and live into a gospel that is still good news for all.It is impossible to ignore the many loud voices who claim to speak for God with the absolute certainty and divisive rhetoric that has become the playbook for Christian nationalism. To help readers counter this overwhelming narrative, Foote and Thornburg provide an accessible, faithful alternative rooted in the core Presbyterian convictions of grace, community, humility, and ongoing reform. This is the message to speak loudly in our time: not one of fear and exclusion, but a living, evolving faith that proclaims the wide welcome of God’s grace.Ideal for individual or group study, the book includes an eight-session study guide that provides focus Scriptures, questions for discussion, and prayers.

Step into the world of the Hebrew Bible and discover how the contexts of the people who lived in it illuminate and deepen our understanding of the Scriptures.In Ancient Israel and Judah, Beth Tanner takes readers on a compelling journey through the historical and cultural landscapes of ancient Israel and Judah, bringing the Hebrew Bible to life in an approachable manner yet to be achieved.An essential guide for anyone new to biblical study, this book bridges the divide between traditional religious interpretations and academic study, empowering readers to grasp the Bible’s theological themes in their full historical richness. From the origins of the Genesis narratives to the dramatic period of the Maccabees, Tanner skillfully distills centuries of history and complex concepts into an accessible and engaging narrative with relatable insights, offering clarity and context without overwhelming detail.Through an introduction to historical criticism and literary paradigms, readers learn to navigate the Bible’s poetic verses, sagas, and narratives with fresh eyes. Addressing modern misconceptions about biblical history, Tanner reveals how understanding the ancient world enhances both critical and faith-based readings of Scripture. With newfound insight, readers of this book will:• learn why history and context are essential to any interpretation; how historical events are part of the Bible but why history is not its primary purpose, thus alleviating perceived conflicts within the text;• develop an understanding of the story of the Israelites within the history of the ancient world as well as the other groups the people of the Bible encountered;• read the biblical texts with knowledge about the life and worship practices of the people for whom the biblical texts were intended.Moreover, the book’s unique inclusion of the often-overlooked late historical period (1000–33 BCE) sets the stage for the New Testament, offering vital context for students of all levels. Complete with charts, maps, and a glossary, Ancient Israel and Judah is more than a history book—it’s a road map to deeper biblical understanding.

"A sobering assessment of the evolution of Christian nationalism." -Publishers WeeklyExposing the decades-long plan to radically transform America—how the seven mountains movement, prosperity preachers, and political operatives are destroying democracy under Trump’s second administration.The movement to install a populist strongman in the White House with a game plan for enforcing right-wing policies and catering to evangelical Christians started well before Donald Trump’s first candidacy. For decades, a well-funded network of religious and political operatives has been quietly working to dismantle democracy and replace it with Christian theocracy. Their strategy? The seven mountains mandate—a plan to seize control of seven key pillars of American society and reshape the nation:EducationGovernmentReligionFamilyBusinessMediaEntertainmentScholar Matthew Boedy exposes how this movement—driven by prosperity preachers, extremist politicians, and right-wing power brokers—laid the groundwork for Trump’s presidency and is now advancing its agenda under his second administration. From local school board elections to billion-dollar megachurches, this multipronged effort is reshaping the country in ways most Americans don’t even realize. Discover what has motivated the key players in this movement, how they’ve operated, and what is the unprecedented role of millennial "kingmaker" Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and the new face of Christian nationalism and the seven mountains movement, who believes that “we finally have a president who understands the seven mountains of cultural influence.”Today’s news is so much more than the scattershot orders of an extreme administration. With Project 2025 policies in motion, the seven mountains movement is closer than ever to its goal of turning America into a Christian nationalist state. Leaders of this movement have been playing a long game, undermining democracy to establish a theocracy, but it’s not too late to halt their progress and reverse the tide. This book reveals what’s happening behind the scenes—and what you can do to stop it.

Are you a clergy member called to speak on faith, justice, and activism beyond church walls? From Pulpit to Public Square is your essential guide to finding your authentic voice in public, non-ministerial settings.From Pulpit to Public Square equips preachers to offer prophetic and pastoral witness beyond the pulpit, navigating the challenges of speaking with integrity from a faith perspective. It offers bold strategies for speaking in ways that make a difference. Through insightful reflections, practical exercises, and thought-provoking questions, Richard Voelz redefines public proclamation, offering a theological framework to help you discern your role, set clear goals, and deliver impactful messages in the public square. This book helps clergy prepare the different types of speech that will be most effective outside of a church context by offering answers to the following questions:• What does public proclamation mean?• What is my role in the public square?• How do I speak with integrity from a faith perspective in pluralistic settings where some may not be receptive to faith-based proclamation?From the crisis of protests to community events, interactions with media, fundraising, and the many places in between, this guide empowers you to connect with diverse audiences and speak with purpose, clarity, and conviction.

Unraveling creation, covenant, and family in a foundational biblical narrative.In this thought-provoking addition to the Old Testament Library, David L. Petersen offers a fresh reading of the book of Genesis, understanding it to address the creation of the universe, the beginnings of human culture, and the origins of Israel, all of which are anchored in the central motif of family. Petersen traces the intricate lives and relationships of the ancestral families—from the story of Adam and Eve to the captivating narrative of Joseph. Accordingly, he illuminates the ways in which the stories and genealogies in Genesis portray diverse familial structures, values, conflicts, and religious behaviors.Employing a rich array of critical approaches—source, form, and redaction criticism, along with literary and social-scientific analysis—Petersen explores the cultural and theological dimensions of Genesis. He highlights the way in which the book’s narrative arc transforms Abraham and Sarah’s family into a people, a foundational identity that shapes Israel’s self-understanding. This volume also engages contemporary scholarship on the formation of the Pentateuch, reassessing traditional theories about the origins of Genesis. Petersen reveals how the book emerged out of theological debates, integrating originally distinct literary traditions into a narrative through the unifying motif of family.Both accessible and rich with scholarly insight, Genesis: A Commentary provides readers with a fresh translation and a comprehensive lens to understand the book of Genesis as a literary and religious masterpiece. This book is an essential resource for students, scholars, and others seeking to explore the profound themes of creation, covenant, family, identity, and theological dynamics in this foundational biblical text.About the Old Testament LibraryThe Old Testament Library series provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing. The editorial board consists of William P. Brown, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary; Brent A. Strawn, Professor of Old Testament and Professor of Law, Duke University; and C. L. Crouch, Professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Judaism, Radboud University.

As Christians, what should we believe about hell?Instead of offering a prescriptive, one-size-fits-all answer, Ronald Allen and Robert Cornwall guide the reader through the historical interpretation of hell. They begin with the voices of the Hebrew Bible, extrabiblical, and New Testament texts and the voices of the early, medieval, Reformation, and modern church, pointing out the three main Christian views today—literalism (hell exists, and those there will suffer for eternity), annihilationism (the punishment of hell is limited and leads to the extinction of the sufferer), and universalism (everyone is saved, so hell does not exist). They include multiple contemporary theological positions on hell, such as those of liberation theologians and process theologians. The book also takes an ecumenical and interfaith approach to the topic by describing Catholic, Orthodox, Jewish, and Muslim perspectives on hell. Through describing and explaining these different points of view, Allen and Cornwall allow the reader to decide what view(s) of hell make the most theological and ethical sense to them, and they conclude by offering their personal thoughts on hell.The book includes a study guide and glossary, making it an excellent resource for group study. An online resource designed for pastors who want to design topical and lectionary-based sermon series on hell is available for download.

Jesus may have been born to an obscure young couple in a backwater town, but his family tree told a greater story.Jesus was born into the rich legacy and sacred history of the Jewish people, with lineage said to go back to King David and rooted in the whole history of the Hebrew Bible. This Advent, find out how this little baby we worship became the savior that he was and discover your place with Jesus in the big story of God and God’s people.Inspired by the centuries-old Jesse Tree tradition, pastor Kara Eidson presents forty Scriptures from across the Bible to explore how Jesus, his family, and followers were shaped by all that had come before him—the epic story of God and God’s people—and how we, too, are part of God’s story as followers of Christ today. Enhanced by daily illustrations symbolizing each Scripture, this Advent devotional guides readers from ancient stories and prophecies to the manger and beyond to deepen faith and grow in appreciation of Jesus as Messiah.Daily readings for Advent through Epiphany are organized into weekly themes for congregational use. Family devotions and worship resources make The Advent Tree useful in settings from home to classroom to pulpit, while downloadable versions of the daily illustrations offer a creative outlet for contemplative coloring or decorating a tree.

Step into the profound world of Paul’s Letter to the Romans, where renowned Pauline scholar and pastor Susan Eastman brings the text to life with rich pastoral and theological insights. This commentary doesn’t just analyze Scripture but invites readers into an encounter with the transformative power of the gospel that shaped Paul’s original audience and continues to resonate today.With preaching and teaching at its heart, Susan Eastman explores Romans as a dynamic proclamation of God’s faithfulness—a message that warms hearts, fires wills, and calls humanity into liberated service to God and one another. Through her keen attention to the letter’s historical context, literary artistry, and theological urgency, Eastman reveals the living presence of a God who keeps promises, remains faithful to Israel, and, through Jesus Christ, sets creation free with abundant grace.Readers are guided through the contexts of the early Roman house churches and Paul’s urgent call for unity and solidarity across cultural and class divides. Close attention to Paul’s rhetoric highlights his use of Scripture and his audience-involving writing style. Eastman also unpacks the deeper purpose behind Paul’s writing—his desire to strengthen his audience spiritually and prepare them to embody the gospel in their lives and ministries.Designed to inspire and equip preachers and teachers, this commentary highlights the enduring relevance of Romans’ many-layered theological message. At its core lies a singular truth: the good news of Jesus Christ, God’s Son in the flesh, who unites all people in revealing God’s righteousness and boundless grace to the world.About Interpretation Bible Commentary SeriesEmphasizing sound critical exegesis with strong theological sensibilities, the new Interpretation Bible Commentary series features innovative interpretive approaches that help readers engage the biblical text as a source for participating in the larger social world. These new volumes, written by an array of new and diverse authors, are designed to meet the needs of clergy, teachers, and students by inviting readers into the lively work of careful biblical interpretation for the purpose of faithful exposition. Through its engagement with Scripture, the Interpretation Bible Commentary series illumines our relationship with God, one another, and creation so that readers are propelled with new understanding and energy for fulfilling God’s claims on us in our rapidly changing contexts.