This book examines the theology and ethics of land use through critical biblical exegesis. It explores the biblical writers' pervasive concern for the care of arable land as a central religious obligation. Davis creates a conversation between ancient texts and contemporary agrarian writers, providing a fresh theological perspective on a contemporary problem.
Addressing the challenges of biblical interpretation in today's context, this book explores the authority of Scripture for the modern church and the best practices for reading it thoughtfully. Aimed at revitalizing the church's approach to the Bible, it features contributions from esteemed scholars who propose "Nine Theses" to guide interpretation in a postmodern world. The essays and sermons included not only expand on these theses but also serve as models for teaching Scripture effectively, encouraging a transformative shift in theological education and church practice.
The Alternative: Dream, Unite, Hope discusses topics of faith, relationships, and building your future. This book features a full-color interior and mini- essays, Qand As, and devotions from today's best-known faith leaders.
"This is a book about getting, and staying, involved with God--what it takes, what it costs, what it looks and feels like, why anyone would want to do it anyway. It is at the same time a book about reading the Old Testament as a source of Good News and guidance for our life with God. The key piece of Good News that the Old Testament communicates over and over again is that God is involved with us, deeply and irrevocably so." --from the Introduction With sound scholarship and her own vivid translations from the Hebrew, Old Testament professor Ellen Davis teaches us a spiritually engaged method of reading scripture. Beginning with the psalms, whose frank prayers can be a model for our own, Davis reflects on the stories of the patriarchs and the pastoral wisdom of the book of Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs in helping us cultivate those habits of the heart that lead to a rich relationship with God.
Insights from one of the most distinctive and eloquent scholar-preachers of our time Inviting serious theological engagement with texts from all parts of the Christian Bible, Preaching the Luminous Word is a collection of fifty-one sermons and five related essays from noted preacher and biblical scholar Ellen F. Davis. A brief preface to each sermon delineates its liturgical context and theological themes as well as distinctive elements of structure and style. Arranged in canonical order, the sermons treat a wide range of texts: Torah, Prophets, Writings, Gospels, Epistles, and Revelation. They are complemented by essays on various aspects of biblical interpretation for preaching. At once accessible, theologically informed, and rhetorically rich, this volume will engage preachers, teachers, seminarians, church leaders, and serious lay readers.