Victor H. Matthews

Prayer & Spiritual Formation

“In this volume, Boyer outlines the journey toward spiritual awareness. He empathizes the need to achieve personal awareness while acknowledging that what we are doing is seeking to understand our connection to spirit and Spirit. Once the journey begins it will take a person to the realms of joy, fulfillment, and oneness with nature—also a manifestation of Spirit. This deeply theological study can explain, instruct, and guide the reader away from the distractions of life and toward harmony.”

The Future of Biblical Archaeology

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“The periodic self-examination that every discipline requires has been particularly intense for what has been called 'biblical archaeology' and is now referred to by a variety of labels tied to regions and archaeological periods. This collection of articles draws together the various facets of the process — from field archaeology and the evaluation of artifacts to historical reconstruction to linguistic and textual analysis — and reestablishes the link between the Bible and archaeology. The authors are all experts in their fields, and many are experienced archaeologists. They provide a coherent and convincing argument against the divorce of biblical studies and ancient Near Eastern history and archaeology.”

The Hope of Glory

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“. . . focus on the influence of honor and shame principles in the ancient Mediterranean world has been less well defined . . . David deSilva's work on 'honor discourse' clarifies just how important honor and disgrace were to the peoples of this region. . . . Readers will appreciate both the degree of scholarly thoroughness in his treatment of ancient sources as well as the broad use of modern studies that effectively pull together current thinking on the New Testament world.”

The Liturgical Environment, Fourth Edition, Updated and Revised

Preaching & Worship

“Space governs human action and thought. Boyer captures this axiom in this fourth edition by making it clear that liturgical space creates an environment for liturgical practice. If the space is not right, congregational participation can be limited or discouraged. That, as he notes, cuts across the grain of the intention of Vatican II and subsequent writings that were intended to transform the liturgy and promote active participation by the people. Boyer’s explanation and blueprint in this volume should be a starting point for architectural planning and design.”

The Roman Catholic Lectionary and the Bible

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Mark Boyer has produced a welcome analysis of the Roman Catholic Lectionary that both critiques and supplements that tool for those who wish to amplify their sermons, provide wider context to Bible study, or simply need a further aid in working through the biblical text throughout the year. Taken together, the Lectionary and Boyer’s volume provide more complete coverage and an opportunity to expand personal and group study.”

The Spirit of the Lord God

Bible Studies & Devotionals

“Mark Boyer has produced yet another guide for study and reflection, this time focusing on the language associated with various aspects of the Spirit of God. As the portion of the Trinity tied most closely to humanity since the resurrection and ascension, the Spirit’s status as the one who abides, guides, comforts, and instructs is the basis for our spirituality. By providing an opportunity to explore the meaning and implications of a host of biblical terms and then giving the reader the chance to meditate, write, and reflect on them, Boyer brings the importance of the Spirit to life.”

Weekday Saints

Preaching & Worship

“While weekend services and memorials have been part of the liturgical practices of many churches, the individuals or the events memorialized are often little known by the general laity. Boyer's new volume, Weekday Saints, pulls together a wealth of information taken from modern scholarship, theological reflections, prayers, and scriptural passages to make these events and persons come alive again. Anyone interested in church history, or simply personal reflection, will find this book extremely helpful. It is structured for use by both interested laity and clergy and should make a real difference for personal study, preaching, or meditation.”