Around the turn of the 19th century, the Holiness Movement blossomed in America. WesleyanHoliness denominations sprang up all over the country. In 19078, five of these joined together to form the Church of the Nazarene. The dream that drew the founders together was a believers church in the Wesleyan tradition. It is the same dream that guides the Church of the Nazarene today. But how does that translate into a world where denominational lines dont seem to matter as much as they used to? How i...

Believe anything you want. The twentieth century has brought with it a myriad of opinions, philosophies, doctrines and ideologies. Each one of them important; each one valid. And the world says, "Believe what you want." Authors Wes Tracy and Stan Ingersol have authored Here We Stand to shatter that conclusion. More than ever, it is important that we know what we believe. Here We Stand is a comprehensive study of a wide range of beliefs and where Nazarenes fit into the ideological puzzle. Trac...

For decades the accepted wisdom has been that America's mainline Protestant churches are in decline, eclipsed by evangelical mega-churches. Church and religion expert Diana Butler Bass wondered if this was true, and this book is the result of her extensive, three-year study of centrist and progressive churches across the country. Her surprising findings reveal just the opposite—that many of the churches are flourishing, and they are doing so without resorting to mimicking the mega-church, ...

Research indicates that, on average, Americans change their religious affiliation at least once during their lives. Journeys of Faith examines the movement between four Christian traditions and what led believers to make a shift.Four prominent converts to Eastern Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Evangelicalism and Anglicanism describe their new faith traditions and doctrines and their spiritual journeys into them. Response chapters offer respectful critiques.

In the history of the Western World, the Bible has been a perpetual source of inspiration and guidance for countless Christians. However, this Bible has also left a trail of pain. It is undeniable that the Bible is not always used for good. Sometimes the Bible can seem overtly evil. Sometimes its texts are terrible.Bishop John Shelby Spong boldly approaches those texts that have been used through history to justify the denigration or persecution of others while carrying with them t...

The author of the bestselling celebration of discipline explores the great traditions of Christian spirituality and their role in spiritual renewal today.In this landmark work, Foster examines the "streams of living water" –– the six dimensions of faith and practice that define Christian tradition. He lifts up the enduring character of each tradition and shows how a variety of practices, from individual study and retreat to disciplines of service and community, are...

In the beginning, the Bible was regarded as the “Good Book,” but today it is under relentless attack from left wing audiences, novelists, and screenwriters to justify their own political agendas. But fear not: award-winning religious journalist Robert J. Hutchinson refutes the mockers, skeptics, and deniers in his new book, The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Bible. Using historical evidence and thorough analysis, Hutchinson not only proves the Bible to be true (and the liberal...

For the first three hundred years of Christian history, healing prayer was fundamental in the life of the church. It even proved the main method of converting the unbelievers of the day. Then began the long slide of healing prayer into near insignificance. Ironically, Christians themselves, by reserving healing prayer for the most "holy," were the ones who almost killed this mission so central to the gospel itself.The mystery of how this happened is described by Francis MacNutt in ...

A definitive history of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movement and an intriguing reference for persons outside the movement, The Century of the Holy Spirit details the miraculous story of Pentecostal/Charismatic growth--in the U.S. and around the world. This book features five chapters by the premier Pentecostal historian, Vinson Synan, with additional contributions by leading Pentecostal/Charismatic authorities--David Barrett, David Daniels, David Edwin Harrell Jr., Peter Hocke...

Rich in historical events and colorfully written, this fascinating account of women in the church spans nearly two thousand years of church history. It tells of events and aspirations, determination and disappointment, patience and achievement that mark the history of daughters of the church from the time of Jesus to the present. The authors have endeavored to present an objective story. The very fact that readers may find themselves surprised now and again by the prominent role of women i...

"Gomes is an iconoclast, and his book is an alternately eloquent and folksy attack on everybody who is sure of the right answer." — NewsweekHow the Church Domesticated JesusWith his unique blend of eloquence and insight, the esteemed Harvard minister Peter J. Gomes invites us to hear anew the radical nature of Jesus' message of hope and change. Using examples from ancient times as well as from modern pop culture, The Scandalous Gospel of...

Could you spare five minutes per day to get acquainted with some truly fascinating people and events? If so, you'll love The Christian History Devotional, where each day you'll learn more about your "spiritual family," people who are as much a part of the rich Christian heritage as the people of the Bible.In these 365 vignettes you'll meet some names that will be familiar: Billy Graham, Martin Luther, C. S. Lewis, John Wesley, Mother Teresa, Francis of Assisi, Augustine, C...