Joel C. Elowsky

A Change of Heart

History & Biography

“Tom Oden's A Change of Heart chronicles his own odyssey through modernity back home to the fathers he never knew—until he read them, prayed with them and learned the riches of the timeless faith at their feet. This book invites readers to join him in this odyssey. As one who has been privileged to travel the last part with him, I can truly say they will not be disappointed in the journey Tom Oden is inviting them to undertake with him.”

Chrysostom's Devil

Theology

“Samantha Miller provides a scholarly yet approachable study of a topic few Western scholars are willing to tackle. The topic of demons doesn't get a lot of press in the West, perhaps because we have enough other distractions that lure our attention away from God. The study is well grounded in the precursors of Greco-Roman and Jewish thought, as well as early Christian literature before Chrysostom. It also includes a discussion about free will which, like Chrysostom himself, borders on the synergistic. But Miller pushes back, pointing out that such discussions about synergism and soteriology largely came after Chrysostom's time. While this is a debatable point, her assertion that Chrysostom held that 'neither God nor the devil compels,' is nonetheless quite compelling on its own. Chrysostom noted that just as humans have limits, so do demons. They are not as strong as they pretend to be—but neither are they to be trifled with, which is why Chrysostom insisted that Christians must be trained in virtue in order to do battle. This book will provide a window into that spiritual battle as well as provide an added dimension to scholarship on Chrysostom and early Christian spirituality and soteriology.”

Jerome and the Jews

History & Biography

“The ever enigmatic, always controversial Jerome comes through the pages of Krewson's text as a challenge for Jewish-Christian relations then and now. We see Jerome at his paradoxical best: plundering the 'treasures of the Jews' for his interpretation of Scripture and his Vulgate even as he perpetuates the supersessionism of his day. Krewson provides a stimulating case study and catalyst for ongoing dialogue between Jews and Christians.”

Living Wisely with the Church Fathers

History & Biography

“Chris Hall brings to life the early church's habitus in this engaging account of what it meant to be a Christian living not long after the time of Christ. But he goes even further in bringing twenty-first-century Christians into the story so that we too can live wisely today. This is a must-read for anyone looking to follow in the footsteps of the Fathers as they lead us to authentic and praiseworthy living in honor of Christ.”

My First Exorcism

“Harold Ristau offers his readers a glimpse into an area of ministry where angels may not fear to tread, but many pastors do. Here we have a candid and honest portrayal of the triumphs and pitfalls inherent in ministering to those under demonic influence. Firmly grounded in the Word and prayer, Dr. Ristau points us to the essentials needed in battling the one who rages like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8).”

Sculptor Spirit

Theology

“Everyone these days wants to be spiritual. They just don't know how or what it really means to be spiritual. Leo Sánchez charts a course that anchors that yearning for spirituality on solid ground. He presents an experience of the Spirit grounded firmly in the theology and practice of the church through the centuries as he provides various models of what it means to be 'in the Spirit.' Spirituality is not so much a feeling or a yearning as it is a way of life worked out in the person of Christ and his work through and in the Spirit in and for us. Sánchez reminds us that the Spirit blows where it wills, but it never blows apart from the will of Christ and the Father. If you're looking for a theological yet pastoral approach to reach those who want to be spiritual but don't know how, this book is a great resource.”