Lissa M. Wray Beal

A Brain Tumor Changes Everything

Counseling, Grief & Mental Health

“A memoir of suffering that is honest about pain and fear. Jan Woltmann recounts her family’s journey attentive to its moments of humor, blessings of simple pleasures, and surprising grace-gifts of faith. This mother’s story is offered for any who have walked a similar road—or been companions along the way.”

Ancient Israel's History

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“An engaging examination of the current state of research, Ancient Israel's History finely balances the biblical text and extrabiblical sources while exploring critical interpretive issues and methodological questions. It is comprehensive and readable and will be a valuable addition to the library of students and researchers alike. This volume will be part of my students' curriculum.”

Bloody, Brutal, and Barbaric?

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“A welcome addition to the discussion of holy war texts, Webb and Oeste's 'realigned traditional view' affirms biblical authority while asking a fresh set of questions. With thorough scholarship and pastoral sensitivity, their redemptive-movement hermeneutic suggests a way forward that acknowledges the ethical challenge of these texts without rejecting them as irredeemable. The book's measured and irenic tone invites the reader to consider its carefully-argued thesis. This is a must-read for those working with or troubled by these texts.”

Flood and Fury

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Matt Lynch writes for a popular audience without dumbing down the problem of violence or providing pat answers. He invites readers to contextualize scriptural texts within a large vision of creation's shalom, the hermeneutics of reading biblical narratives alongside historical questions, and the whole canon's revelation of God's good character. Lynch's work travels new and illuminating ground. For those troubled by these texts, Lynch models pastorally honest and attentive reading that contributes to a richer understanding of the biblical narrative, God's good design for his creation, and the ways these texts intersect with present-day realities. A recommended read!”

God of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today?

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“In God of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today? Honestly wrestling with the Old Testament, Helen Paynter tackles problematic texts of violence in the Old Testament. The questions Paynter asks are pressing ones today, and she sketches out the complex issues clearly but without undue oversimplification. Outlining valuable principles of interpretation and applying them in worked examples, the author’s candor and pastoral attentiveness invite readers into the conversation. The volume models Christian engagement with the biblical text and shows the value of honest wrestling within the text’s own vision of shalom. Providing tools to think not only about specific texts of violence, but the biblical text more broadly, it is a welcome and compact initial resource for Christian laypeople troubled by biblical texts of violence.”

Is God a Vindictive Bully?

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Copan’s work speaks to current voices that assert the Old Testament’s depiction of God is highly problematic or at odds with the New Testament. He engages critics from outside the faith who with vindictive glee mischaracterize the Old Testament’s presentation of God. He addresses critics from within who jettison the hard parts of the Old Testament or assert its depiction of God is in error. God’s people are often confused by and suspicious of the Old Testament, wondering how it aligns with Jesus; these conversations are pressing for my seminary students and for local pastors and congregations. Copan provides a valuable resource in accessible language that speaks with informed conviction and with grace. In a time when the Old Testament’s necessary role in Christian faith is attacked and undermined, Copan’s work serves the good of the church. I highly recommend it for all whose faith seeks understanding.”

Judges

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Beldman’s deft narrative observations reveal the judges not as flat heroes, but as complex characters in troubling times. He makes these accounts entertaining and accessible without neglecting the difficult questions they pose and the surprising answers they sometimes provide. A good resource for preaching and teaching within the church, with insights useful for biblical scholars and theological educators.”

Speaking with God

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Showing prayer’s many cadences and contexts, these essays challenge pat answers to the question ‘What is prayer?’ Thoughtful scholarship applied to the prayers of kings, prophets, and ordinary folk—this volume not only informs but serves as a resource for any who say, ‘Teach us to pray!’ I came away inspired in my own prayer life.”

The Lord Roars

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Danny Carroll weds his deep engagement with literature and his lifelong attention to justice to recover prophetic imagination for the church. For those who no longer know the language of prophetic imagination, who doubt the Old Testament’s authority on today’s questions of justice, or who misappropriate the prophetic word on behalf of political agendas, Carroll opens the text’s power to critique and to energize toward justice. With scholarly acumen and humility, this exploration is biting but also offers hope. In light of today’s many pursuits of justice, this book provides a clarion call for the church to fire its imagination toward a justice that is truly grounded in the prophetic message, is lived out in the life of Christ, and is now passed on to the church. For anyone praying, speaking, or acting toward a vision of justice, this book is a must-read.”

The Theology of Jeremiah

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“John Goldingay gives us a lucid, personable, and often witty introduction. Attentive to the book's own context and message, The Theology of Jeremiah also engages interpretive challenges and explores the book's message for a Christian audience. The volume does not overburden the reader with the guild's technical discussions as it distills what is often an overwhelming book to its basics of structure, themes, and theologies. Goldingay has provided a terrific volume for beginning students or lay readers eager to make sense of Jeremiah.”

Women of War, Women of Woe

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“No 'archetypal woman interpreter' here — this collection highlights the diversity in nineteenth-century women's biblical interpretation. Edited with respect and love, its recovery work invites readers into conversation with interpretive foremothers and often difficult biblical texts. Insightful editorial commentary and study questions further the discussion, challenging assumed norms and inspiring a new generation to the ongoing interpretive task.”