Michael E. Wittmer

Urban Legends of Theology surveys 40 of the most common misunderstandings of Christian doctrine. Some of the urban legends are cultural truisms that turn out not to be true; others are misconceptions of what the Bible and Christian tradition actually teach. Author and theologian Michael Wittmer writes in an engaging and incisive manner, probing beliefs nearly every churchgoer has heard at one time or another, such as: The Bible is our only authority All sin is the same before God God won't give you more than you can handle Christianity is not a religion; it's a relationship We are the hands and feet of Jesus Urban Legends of Theology corrects these misconceptions and offers a better alternative in each one's place, guiding readers into the full riches and freedom of Christian theology rightly understood.

When you need help understanding God's Word, turn to The Bible Explainer-- answering 250 who, what, when, where, and why questions about the world's best-selling book. People, places, things, and ideas are covered, from Genesis through Revelation, with insight, intrigue, and a dash of humor. Questions and answers are presented in logical order, from larger, more general issues (for example, "What is the Bible?") through the more specific (such as "Was Jesus a pacifist?" and "What is the significance of 666?"). Bible Explainer tackles the tough ones, too--like How could God "regret" making humans? Did God command Israel to commit genocide? Why do Christians follow the Old Testament's teaching on homosexuality but not its commands about eating bacon and shrimp? The Bible Explainer acknowledges the variety of viewpoints in the larger Christian world while taking a conservative historical approach itself. It's a fascinating read that will enhance your appreciation of scripture--plus, it's illustrated in full color

If following Jesus involves a life of sacrifice and suffering, is it wrong for a Christian to seek purpose and joy in this world? Many Christians sense a tension between their desire to enjoy life in this world—the beauty of God’s creation, the rich love of deep relationships with others—and the reality that this world is fallen and broken, in need of redemption. How can we embrace and thrive in the tension between enjoying creation and promoting redemption? By living out our God-given purpose. As “worldly saints,” created in the image of God, we are natural creatures with a supernatural purpose—to know and love God. Because we live in a world that is stained by the curse of sin, we must learn to embrace our nature as creatures created in the image of God while recognizing our desperate need for the grace that God offers to us in the gospel. Writing in a devotional style that is theologically rich, biblically accurate, and aimed at ordinary readers, Mike Wittmer helps readers understand who they are, why they are here, and the importance of the story they tell themselves. In Becoming Worldly Saints, he gives an integrated vision that shows how we can be heavenly minded in a way that leads to earthly good, empowering believers to seize the abundant life God has for them.

In this highly readable and wonderfully engaging response to Rob Bell's "New York Times" best seller "Love Wins," Michael Wittmer examines Bell's claims about "heaven, hell, and the fate of every person who ever lived" in the light of the Bible and historic Christian doctrine. Wittmer writes in the introduction, "I respect Rob Bell. He wrote "Love Wins" to start a dialogue about the most important issues of our faith, and this book is my attempt as an evangelical to join that conversation." THE AUTHORSMichael E. Wittmer, Ph. D., teaches systematic and historical theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. His previous books include "Heaven Is a Place on Earth: Why Everything You Do Matters to God," and "Don't Stop Believing: Why Living like Jesus Is Not Enough." He resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with his wife and children and speaks widely. Michael S. Horton, Ph. D., is the J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California; president of the White Horse Inn; and editor-in-chief of "Modern Reformation" magazine. FROM THE PREFACE BY MICHAEL S. HORTON" Rob Bell] gave us a wake-up call and Michael Wittmer has answered it.... Offering more light than heat, "Christ Alone" appreciates the attractiveness of Bell's questions and conclusions.... Avoiding caricature and personal attack, he carefully evaluates Bell's interpretations of Scripture. It's not a careless diatribe against a book, but filled with pastoral wisdom for perennial questions." ENDORSEMENTS "With clarity and a gracious spirit, Wittmer provides a resource that I can hand my parishioners who are seeking answers to the questions raised in Rob Bell's "Love Wins."" -- Pastor David Beelen, Madison Square Church, Grand Rapids, MI""Christ Alone" is a gracious, respectful biblical and theological engagement with "Love Wins." Wittmer's astute questions help readers discern the strengths and weaknesses of Rob Bell's positions. -- Professor Darwin Glassford, Calvin Theological Seminary ""Christ Alone" provides a clear assessment of Rob Bell's "Love Wins." With skill and wit, Wittmer shows that in the end, God loves and wins only if he is truly and completely who he has revealed himself to be in both living and written Word." -- Pastor Jeffrey D. Halsted, Calvary Baptist Church, Grand Rapids, MI "Readers will appreciate the combination of respect, insight, and conviction. Wittmer helps us to see that the Bible's message is not embarrassing, but a compelling story that fits the reality of God's holiness and the darkness of the human heart." -- Pastor Nate Archer, Peace Church, Middleville, MI ""Christ Alone" deftly guides us in the art of listening to history and the text so that we might engage the conversation beyond the controversy. Not afraid to ask the questions, but ready to give an answer when there are answers to be given, Wittmer walks the line between mystery and revelation culminating in the cross and resurrection and the good news that love has already won." -- Christopher R. Brewer, Founder and Director of Gospel through Shared Experience and editor of "Art that Tells the Story, " "Wittmer's critique of "Love Wins" is fair, biblical, and loving. Readers learn or relearn biblical interpretations, biblical doctrines, teachings of historical church leaders, and an overall appreciation of who God is and what it means to live in the balance of God's grace and justice." -- Pastor Lew VanderMeer, New Community Church, Grand Rapids, MI STUDY GUIDES Free small-group, congregational, and individual study guides are available from the author and publisher for use with this book.

Must you believe something to be saved? Does the kingdom of God include non-Christians? Is hell for real and forever? These are big questions. Hard questions. Questions that divide Christians along conservative and liberal lines. Conservatives love their beliefs and liberals believe in their love. Each pushes the other to opposite extremes. Fundamentalists imply that it doesn’t matter how we live as long as we believe in Jesus, while some Emergent Christians respond that it doesn’t matter what we believe as long as we live like him. Theologian Michael Wittmer calls both sides out of bounds and crafts a third way that retains the insights of each. He examines ten key questions that confront contemporary Christians and shows why both right belief and right practice are necessary for authentic Christianity. Here is an urgent reminder that best practices can only arise from true beliefs. Genuine Christians never stop serving because they never stop loving, and they never stop loving because they never stop believing.

"I don't want to go to heaven. Not that I'm lobbying for the other place . . ." —Michael WittmerThis planet is more than just a stopover on your way to heaven. It is your final destination. God wants you to enjoy your earthly existence, and to think otherwise is to miss the life he intends for you. Exploring the book of Genesis, Heaven Is a Place on Earth gently but firmly strips away common misconceptions of Christianity and broadens your worldview to reveal the tremendous dignity and value of everyday life. Taking you from creation, to the fall, to redemption, and to glimpses from the book of Revelation, Michael Wittmer opens your eyes to a faith that encompasses all of life--baseball games, stock reports, church activities, prayer, lovemaking, work, hobbies . . . everything that lies within the sphere of human activity. To be fully Christian is to be fully human, says Wittmer, alive and responsive to the kingdom of God in all that you are and all that you do. Discover the freedom and impact God created you for. It starts with a truly Christian worldview. And its fruit is the undiluted gospel, powerful not only to save souls, but to restore them to a life that is truly worth living. Includes discussion/reflection questions after each chapter.