The place in which we stand is often taken for granted and ignored in our increasingly mobile society. Differentiating between place and space, this book argues that place has very much more influence upon human experience than is generally recognised and that this lack of recognition, and all that results from it, are dehumanising. John Inge presents a rediscovery of the importance of place, drawing on the resources of the Bible and the Christian tradition to demonstrate how Christian the...

Peter Atkinson has made a highly distinguished and much respected contribution to the Church of England—the last principal of Chichester Theological College and the dean of Worcester for 16 years. He is widely acknowledged to be one of the ablest preachers of his generation.To mark his retirement and honour his ministry, this volume distils the very best of his sermons for the lasting benefit of the Church as a whole.Drawn from over 25 years of ministry, the collection comb...

This Very Short Introduction provides both the believer and non-believer with a balanced survey of the central questions of theology. David Ford's approach draws us in to considering the principles underlying religious belief, including the centrality of salvation to most major religions, the concept of God in ancient, modern, and postmodern contexts, the challenge posed to theology by prayer and worship, and the issue of sin and evil. He also probes the nature of experience, know...

*With a foreword from Tim Keller*A bold vision for Christians who want to engage the world in a way that is biblically faithful and culturally sensitive.In Biblical Critical Theory, Christopher Watkin shows how the Bible and its unfolding story help us make sense of modern life and culture.Critical theories exist to critique what we think we know about reality and the social, political, and cultural structures in which we l...

God, Sexuality and the Self is a new venture in systematic theology. Sarah Coakley invites the reader to re-conceive the relation of sexual desire and the desire for God and - through the lens of prayer practice - to chart the intrinsic connection of this relation to a theology of the Trinity. The goal is to integrate the demanding ascetical undertaking of prayer with the recovery of lost and neglected materials from the tradition and thus to reanimate doctrinal reflection both imaginative...

Why is it 'good news' to say that 'Jesus is risen'? What has the resurrection to do with our idea of salvation? This book sets out to show how the experience of the resurrection was from the first one of forgiveness and of the healing of memories of injury, guilt or failure. Out of this healing grow new patterns of life together, and a new understanding of God. This classic work by one of the finest theological minds of our day is renowned for its synthesis of theology and spirituality, cr...

One of the most influential and well-loved books of Christianity, The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis appears here in Penguin Classics in a new translation by Robert Jeffery, with an introduction by Max Von Habsburg, notes, a chronology and further reading.The Imitation of Christ is a passionate celebration of God's love, mercy and holiness, which has stimulated religious devotion for over five hundred years. With great personal conviction and deep humanity...

In fifty brilliant short essays one of the UK's liveliest young writers on religion introduces the key themes, movements and thinkers in theology.

Many people in life avoid hardship. Many lack integrity. A precious few resist temptation or bitterness when faced with enemies and strong opposition. Here are the stories of three such men.

"We have been drifting into a muddle and a mess, putting together bits and pieces of traditions, ideas and practices in the hope that they will make sense. They don't. There may be times when a typical Anglican fudge is a pleasant, chewy sort of thing, but this isn't one of them. It's time to think and speak clearly and act decisively."With these robust words Tom Wright, Bishop of Durham, throws down a challenge to current liturgy and practice surrounding All Saints' and All Souls'...

Sarah Coakley draws both liberal and conservative camps into a new and serious reflection on ascetical theology.Each chapter of The New Asceticism concentrates on a contentious issue in contemporary theology - the role of women in the churches, homosexuality and the priesthood, celibacy and the future of Christian asceticism - in an original thesis about the nature of desire which may start to heal many contemporary wounds.Professor Coakley is as f...

This insightful book by N. T. Wright explores both the meaning and the results of Christian worship. Part 1, "The God Who Is Worthy of Praise," focuses on what worshiping God actually means. Wright celebrates the greatness and beauty of God as the ground and reason for worship and shows how reflection on who God is leads us to true, heartfelt worship (from "worth-ship"), as we seek to give God all he's worth.Part 2, "Reflecting God's Image in the World," addresses a range o...