Jaime Clark-Soles

A Nonviolent Theology of Love

Theology

“With her signature style, Sharon Putt has done what few of us could ever hope to manage. Putt has crafted an introduction to theology for all of us, making the conversation accessible but never patronizing us and always assuming that, though we are not specialists, we are nevertheless curious, avid, capable learners. Here we are taught, inspired, challenged, and invited into a deeper way of living a gospel life in this world that God loves so dearly, down to the smallest bits, by a person who is, all-at-once, in equal parts, one inseparable from the other, a scholarly theologian, teacher, faithful Christian, and soul-pastor. She unapologetically and unequivocally states that she invites us (and all of her students at all times) to do the hard work of thinking and learning for the specific purpose of transformation.”

Finding Phoebe

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Prepare to question some of your basic assumptions! In this delightfully engaging book, Hylen leads us on an active learning journey that involves visiting both new evidence and old in order to reconsider our cherished (but perhaps outdated or misguided) certitudes about New Testament women. . . . Ever the careful, keen, logical New Testament scholar who neither over- nor understates the case, in this book Hylen also displays her teaching prowess. Each chapter leads with some noteworthy aspect of Phoebe, then draws us into imagining life on the ground in the first-century world (using a fictional Roman family to flesh out the main ideas in a concrete way), and then applies what has just been discussed to exercises centered on New Testament texts (so, yes, there is homework, but of the best sort!). Hylen knows what questions we the readers have, especially those of us for whom the New Testament is Scripture. . . . I will certainly recommend this book both for individual and group study. I was so interested that I read it all in one sitting because each chapter is just the right length to make you want to read the next one promptly!”

Healing the Wounds of Sexual Abuse

Christian Living

“Written from the powerful perspective of ‘we, the survivors’ by a person who is deeply contemplative and able to ‘be angry but sin not’ regarding the evil of patriarchy and sexual abuse, this book educates, encourages, and empowers individuals and communities. Heath shows us how Jesus, the Bible, and Christian community can (and do) serve as sources of healing and wholeness for survivors (even those abused by people in the church). This book is for everyone—churches, seminaries, small groups, and individuals. It is for survivors themselves and those who journey with survivors. It should be required reading for every seminary, and it will be on my syllabus. Far from an exercise in theoretical possibilities or wishful thinking, it is an invitation into the sure reality of healing that awaits survivors and those who companion them.”

Preaching the Word

Preaching & Worship

“This timely book by seasoned preacher and homiletics professor (and Johannine scholar) Karoline Lewis will help preachers and seminary professors alike. The format of the book makes it easy to use. Each chapter introduces the reader to a particular approach in biblical interpretation that has arisen in the past fifteen years, uses a passage from John to illustrate the power of the approach to yield fresh insights, and connects it all with proclamation for those of us living in real bodies in the real world, a world marked by divinely designed diversity and the possibility of healing and hope. I especially appreciated her attention to trauma-informed interpretation and preaching, one of the newest approaches. Lewis invites us into a conversation marked by humility and curiosity; she hopes that the first question asked when we finish the book is “Who else?” Whose voice is not reflected in the book? Rather than pronouncing the authoritative last word on the subject, she is cultivating in us a habit of always seeking to move beyond our own limited view and experience. Lewis’s book will energize those who are weary, curious, or both.”

Psychedelics and Christian Faith

Counseling, Grief & Mental Health

“If we have the opportunity to show up in an informed and engaged manner, it is thanks to Cole-Turner preparing and equipping us to do so. This will be required reading for any Christian interested in a serious, accessible, balanced treatment of this most pressing cultural, medical, and spiritual development. It will be used in training psychedelic chaplains and in seminary courses devoted to the church in its social context as well as pastoral care and spiritual formation programs. Unequivocally, we are in Cole-Turner’s debt for this volume.”

The Power of Saving Wisdom

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Whether or not one finally agrees with Bennema's conclusions, he has indubitably done the guild a service by focusing so closely on a single aspect of the Fourth Gospel: pneumatology. Scholars will find the book useful to consult when treating any aspects of the Gospel that may intersect with spirit, wisdom, and salvation. Teachers could assign a particular section, such as that devoted to the Wisdom traditions in the Hebrew Scriptures, LXX, and Philo or that which provides an overview of Johannine soteriology, to provide a relatively brief overview of a particular aspect of the Gospel. Advanced students researching Johannine pneumatology might use the book as a dialogue partner more than an authoritative voice.”

The Prophet-King

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Rare in scholarship is a consummate magnum opus that continues to influence the field fifty years after it was published—let alone a scholar’s dissertation! Anyone who investigates the Christology of John, characterization in John, Moses in the New Testament, or the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament must engage Meeks’ Prophet-King. How gratifying that new generations of biblical scholars will now have ready access to this classic work.”

The Riddles of the Fourth Gospel

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“I love this book, which now constitutes the intro volume for serious students of the Fourth Gospel! I can't think of any question that Anderson has not raised and addressed, with his typical acuity and thoroughness. For scholarly and popular readers alike, this is now the "go–to" book for those undertaking a study of this powerful Gospel.”

Using Our Outside Voice

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Carey does in one book what would normally take three: he epitomizes salient information on the history of interpretation of the Bible, he surveys the landscape of contemporary methods, and he calls readers to engage in the public square regarding biblical interpretation for the sake of our common life together as global citizens. Real people’s lives depend upon it.”

Vivid Rhetoric and Visual Persuasion

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“This book will serve both those who are new to the conversation about vivid rhetoric and those looking for the most comprehensive and up-to-date treatment of the topic in a single volume. This will be the standard reference work for the foreseeable future. It provides helpful definitions of relevant terms; attends to issues of genre; exemplifies theory by application to specific texts; and masterfully synthesizes work that has been done in sensory studies, affect theory, and rhetorical criticism. The introductory essay sets an excellent foundation for the history of the subject and its importance for interpreting the New Testament and other early Christian literature. To introduce students to the topic, instructors might easily assign the introductory chapter and pair it with one of the essays that focuses upon a particular text. The editors and authors have truly provided us a remarkable resource.”

Vote Jesus Christ

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“This book is for people who have committed to basing their ethical decisions (including voting) upon the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in Christian Scripture. Read this book by seasoned New Testament scholar Scott Spencer alongside the Gospel of Luke. By doing so, you will gain insight (and warning) about the dangers of submitting to authoritarian rulers who idolatrously divinize themselves, demand total allegiance, and crucify their opponents, whether Roman Emperors in the first century or tyranny-driven politicians of the twenty-first century.”

Wait – Is This Racist?

Ethics, Culture & Social Issues

“Wow. Read this book right now and tell everyone involved in church to read this book. Then use it as the thorough-yet-concise, accessible, practical handbook that it is to help your church not only do anti-racism work but become anti-racist. The book is a perfect combination of theory and practice, and it manages to do in one volume what previously has required using multiple resources and piecing something together to move forward. There’s nothing else out there quite like it. This book has the power to change us for good.”

What Are Drugs For?

Ethics, Culture & Social Issues

“Reasoned attention to the nature and role of "drugs" is sorely lacking in the public square and Christian denominational policies alike. King's book will serve a wide array of readers as a foundational text. Covering a stunning span of history, King pulls together crucial considerations that normally remain siloed, if discussed at all. Drawing together history, politics, economics, ethics, psychology, medicine, anthropology, religion, and theology, King has produced in a single volume a coherent narrative about how we have arrived at the current moment in the conversation (or lack thereof) about "drugs." What's equally impressive, however, is King's ability to convey this vast amount of research and complicated, fraught terrain in such an engaging way. He's an adept storyteller who uses language precisely, and you'll find yourself highlighting much of the material or responding in the margins of your volume. In a subject largely driven by political and economic interests, and fraught with visceral emotional reaction passing for moral argument, King provides the material necessary for considering the topic afresh in a calm, reasoned way. King writes from both personal experience and the results of academic research, and as one who is committed to soul care.”