J. Richard Middleton

It is traditional to think we should praise Abraham for his willingness to sacrifice his son as proof of his love for God. But have we misread the point of the story? Is it possible that a careful reading of Genesis 22 could reveal God was not pleased with Abraham's silent obedience? Widely respected biblical theologian, creative thinker, and public speaker J. Richard Middleton suggests we have misread and misapplied the story of the binding of Isaac and shows that God desires something other than silent obedience in difficult times. Middleton focuses on the ethical and theological problem of Abraham's silence and explores the rich biblical tradition of vigorous prayer, including the lament psalms, as a resource for faith. Middleton also examines the book of Job in terms of God validating Job's lament as "right speech," showing how the vocal Job provides an alternative to the silent Abraham. This book provides a fresh interpretation of Genesis 22 and reinforces the church's resurgent interest in lament as an appropriate response to God.

Creatively bringing the songs, prayers, and poetry of Leonard Cohen into conversation with Scripture, this book deeply grounds Cohen's work in the landscape of the biblical imagination, paying special attention to Jesus together with the prophetic and priestly voices of Scripture. What emerges is a compellingly lyrical work of theology that deepens our understanding of both Cohen and biblical faith. Leonard Cohen has undoubtedly been a liturgist for our time, a cantor singing for all those clothed in rags of light, a prophet in the ruins, and a priest who greets us "from the other side of sorrow and despair."

What does it mean to be human? This timeless question proves critical as we seek to understand our purpose, identity, and significance. Amidst the many voices clamoring to shape our understanding of humanity, the Bible reveals important truths related to our human identity and vocation that are critical to the flourishing of all of creation. Carmen Joy Imes seeks to recover the theologically rich message of the creation narratives starting in the book of Genesis as they illuminate what it means to be human. Every human being is created as God's image. Imago Dei is our human identity, and God appointed humans to rule on God's behalf. Being God's Image explores the implications of this kinship relationship with God and considers what it means for our work, our gender relations, our care for creation, and our eternal destiny. The Bible invites us into a dramatically different quality of life: a beloved community in which we can know God and one another as we are truly known. In Being God's Image, you'll find: Imes's clear, insightful exploration of our deepest questions: what it means to be human, A discussion guide for personal reflection or group study, Additional links to related video material through the BibleProject.

It is traditional to think we should praise Abraham for his willingness to sacrifice his son as proof of his love for God. But have we misread the point of the story? Is it possible that a careful reading of Genesis 22 could reveal that God was not pleased with Abraham's silent obedience? Widely respected biblical theologian, creative thinker, and public speaker J. Richard Middleton suggests we have misread and misapplied the story of the binding of Isaac and shows that God desires something other than silent obedience in difficult times. Middleton focuses on the ethical and theological problem of Abraham's silence and explores the rich biblical tradition of vigorous prayer, including the lament psalms, as a resource for faith. Middleton also examines the book of Job in terms of God validating Job's lament as "right speech," showing how the vocal Job provides an alternative to the silent Abraham. This book provides a fresh interpretation of Genesis 22 and reinforces the church's resurgent interest in lament as an appropriate response to God.

Christians often have a complicated relationship with science—especially when it comes to evolution. In recent years there has been an explosion in scientific understanding of evolutionary theory and its implications for human nature. Yet many Christians still see evolution as at best irrelevant to their faith and at worst threatening to it. Is it possible that adopting an evolutionary view of human origins can actually help us cultivate a relationship with God and a holy life? In Embracing Evolution, Matthew Nelson Hill invites readers into a constructive conversation about why contemporary science matters for Christians. Bringing clarity to an often fraught conversation, he provides an accessible overview of evolutionary concepts and takes on common concerns about tensions with Christian theology. He then explores what insights and practical benefits await the Christian who adopts an integrative approach to evolution and Christianity. The more we are aware of the complex milieu of instincts, acquired traits, and environmental influences humans find themselves in, the better equipped we can be to overcome tempting urges and adopt life-giving habits. From food cravings and addictions to altruistic impulses, understanding our biological heritage gives us power to change for the better. What's more, as scientific evidence affirms, the transformation process cannot take place in isolation. Drawing on the work of John Wesley, Hill considers the questions, What kind of community will best encourage individuals to live godly lives, and how do we practically form such communities? At some point, every Christian will have to grapple with scientific evidence related to evolution. Full of stories and real-life examples, this book will help church leaders, small groups, students, and anyone curious about science and faith discover how embracing evolution can assist them toward a fulfilling, virtuous Christian life.

O se cache le christianisme ? Notre soci t est enthousiasm e par les avanc es scientifiques, technologiques et conomiques. Il est d plorable que ces avanc es soient toutes r alis es sans tenir compte des valeurs chr tiennes. Le christianisme devrait impr gner les structures de notre soci t jusqu' influencer sa culture. Des tudes universitaires la politique, du monde des affaires la vie familiale, la vision chr tienne peut transfigurer notre monde. Pour initier un tel renversement, les auteurs analysent notre poque troubl e, expliquent savamment comment ces troubles sont apparus et nous proposent une solution. Leur espoir s'enracine dans une compr hension claire de la vision chr tienne du monde. Recommandations Ce livre lance un cri pressant aux chr tiens dans l'espoir qu'ils s'unissent d'un m me coeur et d'un m me esprit, et qu'ils reconnaissent que J sus-Christ est Seigneur de la vie sous toutes ses formes. Lisez-le comme une analyse incitative de ce qui emp che une telle unit de coeur et d'esprit. Parcourez-le aussi comme un imp ratif ... nous soumettre un seul Ma tre. - Nicholas Wolterstorff, professeur m rite en th ologie philosophique, Universit Yale

2014 Word Guild Award (Biblical Studies)Named a 2014 Jesus Creed Book of the Year (Theology)Best Theology Book of 2014, Englewood Review of BooksBest Book of Biblical Studies for 2014, Hearts & Minds BooksIn recent years, more and more Christians have come to appreciate the Bible's teaching that the ultimate blessed hope for the believer is not an otherworldly heaven; instead, it is full-bodied participation in a new heaven and a new earth brought into fullness through the coming of God's kingdom. Drawing on the full sweep of the biblical narrative, J. Richard Middleton unpacks key Old Testament and New Testament texts to make a case for the new earth as the appropriate Christian hope. He suggests its ethical and ecclesial implications, exploring the difference a holistic eschatology can make for living in a broken world.

For two thousand years, Christians have been intrigued by the somewhat enigmatic Imago Dei references in the book of Genesis. Much theological ink has been spilled mulling over the significance and meaning of these words: "Let us make humanity in our image, according to our likeness . . . "In The Liberating Image, J. Richard Middleton takes on anew the challenge of interpreting the Imago Dei. Reflecting on the potential of the Imago Dei texts for developing an ethics of power rooted in compassion, he relates its significance to the Christian community's distinct calling in an increasingly violent world. The Liberating Image introduces a relevant, scholarly take on an important Christian doctrine. It will appeal to all Christians seeking to better understand what it means to be made in God's image.

Science, technology and economic growth motivate our society. Each is carried on with little regard for Christian concerns. Brian Walsh and Richard Middleton yearn for change. They long to see Christianity penetrate the structures of society, reforming and remolding our culture. From scholarship in the universities to politics, business and family life, the Christian vision can transform our world. To stimulate such change the authors analyze our troubled age, show us how it got that way and suggest a solution. Their clear presentation of a Christian world view forms the basis of their hope.