Alloway Library News

Here is a selection of titles recently added to our collection.

 Blue Jerusalem : British conservatism, Winston Churchill, and the Second World War /Kit Kowol. We think we know all there is to know about Britain’s Second World War. We don’t. This radical re-interpretation of British history and British Conservatism between 1939 and 1945 reveals the bold, at times utopian, plans British Conservatives drew up for Britain and the post-war world. From proposals for world government to a more united Empire via dreams of a new Christian elite and a move back-to-the-land, ‘Blue Jerusalem’ reveals how Conservatives were every bit as imaginative and courageous as their Labour and left-wing opponents in their wartime plans for a post-war world. Bringing these alternative visions of Britain’s post-war future back to life, this book restores politics to the centre of the story of Britain’s war.

 Death in the name of God : martyrs and martyrdom in the western tradition /Rebecca I. Denova.  This fascinating textbook delves into the journey of martyrs and martyrdom throughout history. Beginning at its ancient roots to its striking presence in today’s world, this book explores how martyrdom has shaped religions, cultures, and societies across the ages. With a rich interdisciplinary approach, this book invites the reader to explore the complex web of historical, cultural, and psychological factors behind this enduring concept. The author presents valuable insights into the past and present, helping the reader unravel the mysteries of martyrdom and its profound impact on our world.  A must-read for students and scholars of Religious History, Martyrs and Martyrdom, and other Religious Studies courses.

From Tudor to Stuart : the regime change from Elizabeth I to James I /Susan Doran.  The story of the troubled accession of England’s first Scottish king and the transition from the age of the Tudors to the age of the Stuarts at the dawn of the 17th century.

 Leadership from bad to worse : what happens when bad festers /Barbara Kellerman.  Bad leadership in both business and politics is all too common. Yet even when it is clear that leadership is poor, organizations struggle to change it. In ‘Leadership from Bad to Worse’, one of the nation’s leading leadership scholars looks at bad leadership across a range of organizations and details how and why it inexorably gets worse-and offers pathways for arresting these downward spirals.

 New explorations in the Lost World of Genesis : advances in the origins debate /John H. Walton ; with contributions by J. Harvey Walton.   For over a decade, Walton’s books The Lost World of Genesis One and The Lost World of Adam and Eve have shaped readers’ understanding of the ancient Near Eastern world and its implications for modern scientific origins debates. But more than simply engaging the creation-evolution debate, these works explored questions related to interpretation of Genesis through ancient eyes, the theological purpose of a seven-day creation account, the historicity of Adam and Eve, and the history of interpretation of the creative narratives. In New Explorations in the Lost World of Genesis, Walton provides comprehensive and timely updates on the latest developments and research, including: a summary of positions addressed in his previous books on origins new insights, clarifications, and illustrations based on current scholarship answers to frequently asked questions Engaging the latest scholarship as well as questions that his proponents and critics alike have raised.   New Explorations in the Lost World of Genesis provides a relevant update that will benefit students, professors, and pastors as they continue to explore questions of origins and their implications for the Christian life.

 Patterns of repetition, structure, and meaning in the book of Hebrews /Michael C. Clark.  While many have recognized unusual patterns of repetition within the book of Hebrews, which seem to play a range of important functions within the text, the consistency of this patterning has not been fully appreciated and its function has been largely unexamined. This study investigates the location and function of what we have termed “link clusters” within Hebrews from the perspective of discourse analysis, to gain fresh insight into the language, structure, and genre of Hebrews; into the book’s relationship to the Old Testament; and into the book’s authorship and meaning. This work proposes, first, that Hebrews uses repetition to establish formal connections between words and phrases marked as significant by their location and context with respect to other similarly connected words and phrases; second, that link clusters serve to structure the book of Hebrews by uniting the text into a series of overlapping, concentric, and coherent units; and, third, that link clusters also serve an important topical function, clarifying and amplifying intended meaning as pairs of matching topic sentences that respectively introduce and conclude each section and subsection of the discourse by summarizing its content.

Systematic philosophical theology. Volume I, Prolegomena, on scripture, on faith /William Lane Craig.  William  Craig’s Systematic Philosophical Theology. Volume I: Prolegomena, On Scripture, On Faith  is a multi-volume explication of Christian doctrine in the classic Protestant tradition of the loci communes as seen through the lens of contemporary analytic philosophy. Uniquely blending the disciplines of biblical theology, historical theology, and analytic theology, these volumes aim to provide readers with a biblical and philosophically coherent articulation of a wide range of Christian doctrines. In the first volume of the series, Prolegomena, On Scripture, On Faith, Craig begins by introducing his conception of systematic philosophical theology, describing how it relates to biblical theology, dogmatics, fundamental theology, apologetics, and especially philosophy of religion. The chapters that follow defend the divine authority of Scripture, address the nature of faith, and discuss the rational justification for Christian faith. Throughout the text, Craig tackles cutting edge philosophical questions that arise naturally from Christian doctrine, such as the compatibility of biblical inspiration and human freedom and whether faith implies belief.

Systematic philosophical theology. Volume IIa : On God : Attributes of God /William Lane Craig. William Craig’s Systematic Philosophical Theology. Volume IIa. On God: Attributes of God .   Volume IIa treats the locus On God in two parts. The first part,  Attributes of God, explores the coherence of theism. Conceiving of God as an infinite and personal being of maximal greatness, Craig carefully defines and explicates the divine attributes of incorporeality, necessity, aseity, simplicity, eternality, omnipresence, omniscience, omnipotence, and goodness. In the second part, Volume IIb. Excursus on Natural theology, The Trinity, Craig exa mines six arguments for God &’s existence, including the argument from contingency, the kalâm cosmological argument, the argument from the applicability of mathematics, the argument from cosmic fine-tuning, the moral argument, and the ontological argument, along with the problem of evil. Following the excursus, he transitions to an articulation and defence of Christian theism, formulating a biblical doctrine of the Trinity and offering a model of God as a tripersonal soul.

 The moral vision of Proverbs :a virtue-oriented approach to wisdom /Timothy J. Sandoval.  This major statement on Proverbs by a Christian scholar provides a critical, virtue-ethics approach to a text laden with interpretive challenges for modern readers.

 The wood between the worlds :a poetic theology of the cross /Brian Zahnd. Everything that can be known about God is in some way present at the cross. The cross of Christ is the wood between the worlds. There is the world that was and the world to come, and in between those two worlds is the wood upon which the Son of God was hung. As in C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia, the wood between the worlds is a portal. In this world of sin and death we do not despair because we believe there is a portal that will transport us to a world where, in the beloved words of Lady Julian, “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.

 Transforming social determinants to promote global health :achieving health equity through lived experiences /Jill B. Hamilton, Charles E. Moore, editors.  This unique book addresses the need for the scholarly works that include the voices of clinicians, community stakeholders, and leaders of faith-based institutions in various phases of developing, implementing, and evaluating programs that address health inequities and health disparities among marginalized, middle and low resource communities. Another feature of this book is the contributions to the evidence on SDOH from not only academic researchers but clinicians, community partners, and leaders of faith-based institutions. The overall purpose of this book is really to highlight global community-based programs that have been implemented in marginalized, middle and low resource global communities. The communities represented are rural, urban-inner city, located in Southern, Northeastern, and Western U. S. as well as global communities from Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Botswana, the Grenadines, Nigeria, and Peru. For ease of reading, the editors have further classified these SDOH conditions illustrated in chapters organized according to a 4 pillar SDOH framework of social, cultural, physical environment, social environment, and policy conditions. This book contributes to a diverse perspective of the possibilities of incorporating SDOH into communities and faith-based institutions. The long-range objectives are to inform, inspire, and encourage the novice and senior faculty, clinician, community stakeholder, and faith-based institutional leader to develop, implement, and evaluate SDOH on health and health disparities among the communities they serve. The intended audience of this book is faculty of nursing, public health, and medicine in academic and practice settings; professional leaders of nursing, public health, and medicine; community stakeholders, and leaders of faith-based institutions engaged in partnerships with health care providers. This text might also be useful to faculty of foreign studies, and behavioral sciences.

Here is a selection of titles recently added to our collection.

First Nations Version Psalms and Proverbs : an Indigenous Bible translation /project manager, Terry M. Wildman.   Discover Psalms and Proverbs Reimagined Through the Poetic Language of Native Storytellers: Father Sky is telling us the story of the shining-greatness of the One Above Us All. The starry tent above us shows the beauty that Creator’s hands have made. Day after day, the story is told, and night after night, their wisdom fills the sky. Even though the skies above have no spoken words, all creation has heard their message. Psalm 19:1-3 From the strength of your heart, put all your trust in Grandfather, and do not hold yourself up with weak human thinking. As you walk the road of life, make every step a prayer. Grandfather will then make your eyes straight and your paths safe. Proverbs 3:5-6 Whether you’re seeking solace, strength, or spiritual insight, the First Nations Version Psalms and Proverbs will guide you with its profound expressions of praise and trust in the Creator. Step into the harmonious blend of ancient wisdom and indigenous tradition to discover a spiritual experience that speaks directly to your heart.

 Francis of Assisi, movement maker : the unconventional leadership of a simple saint /Howard A. Snyder.  An overview of the life of St. Francis of Assisi, the movement he founded, and lessons today for leadership and mission.

In search of the Spirit : selected works. Volume two, The Spirit and early Jewish literature /John R. Levison.  This volume contains Levison’s “studies of the Spirit in early Judaism in the context of Greek and Roman thought, from Sirach to the Tosefta, from the Dead Sea Scrolls to Philo of Alexandria, from Judith to Josephus.

Lamb of the free : recovering the varied sacrificial understandings of Jesus’s death /Andrew Remington Rillera ; with a foreword by Douglas A. Campbell.  Lamb of the Free analyzes the different sacrificial imagery applied to Jesus in the NT in light of the facts that (a) there is no such thing as substitutionary death sacrifice in the Torah–neither death nor suffering nor punishment of the animal has any place in the sacrificial system–and (b) there are both atoning and non-atoning sacrifices. Surprisingly, the earliest and most common sacrifices associated with Jesus’s death are the non-atoning ones. Nevertheless, when considering the whole NT, Jesus is said to accomplish all the benefits of the entire Levitical system, from both atoning and non-atoning sacrifices and purification. Moreover, all sacrificial interpretations of Jesus’s death in the NT operate within the paradigm of participation, which is antithetical to notions of substitution. The sacrificial imagery in the NT is aimed at grounding the exhortation for the audience to be conformed to the cruciform image of Jesus by sharing in his death. The consistent message throughout the entire NT is not that Jesus died instead of us, rather, Jesus dies ahead of us so that we can unite with him and be conformed the image of his death.

Principles of Catholic theology. Book 2 ,On the rational credibility of Christianity /Thomas Joseph White, OP.  Catholic theology has to ask and answer fundamental questions: what is the nature and content of Christian revelation, what are the sources of revelation, how are the mysteries of the faith to be understood in relation to one another, and how do the truths of the Catholic faith relate to those of natural reason. In this four book set within the larger Thomistic Ressourcement series, White answers these fundamental questions and discusses the central mysteries of faith as they relate to God and human beings. Book 2 is an argument for the reasonableness of Christianity in a secular and pluralistic age.

Principles of Catholic theology. Book 3, On God, Trinity, creation, and Christ /Thomas Joseph White, OP.   Book 3 is a set of essays on Trinitarian, Christological, and creation theology.

Strange religion : how the first Christians were weird, dangerous, and compelling /Nijay K. Gupta.  The first Christians were weird. Within Roman society, they stood out for the oddness of their beliefs and practices. A New Testament teacher traces the emerging Christian faith against its Roman context to offer today’s believers encouragement and hope.

T is for Terry : an ABC of courage /Denise Dias ; illustrated by Noémie Gionet Landry.  T Is for Terry presents his famous story through each letter of the alphabet. Charming illustrations and short phrases bring Terry’s inspiring vision and enduring legacy to life for young children.

The Holy Spirit in the Christian life : the spirit’s work for, in, and through us /Cheryl M. Peterson.  This book offers a brief account of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, focusing specifically on the question of the person and work of the Spirit in the Christian life

Theological exegesis of scripture. Volume II, The historical books /Paul C. McGlasson.  There are many books about theological exegesis; there are far fewer books of theological exegesis. This volume on the historical books is the second in a six-volume work of theological exegesis which will span select passages from the whole of the Christian Bible. The aim is to read Scripture according to its theological shape as a witness to the living claim of God upon church and world made known in Jesus Christ. The book, and the series, is intended for teachers, pastors, students, and readers attentive to the theological and spiritual dimensions of the biblical witness in all its brilliance and mystery.

Here is a selection of titles recently added to our collection.

 A short guide to spiritual formation : finding life in truth, goodness, beauty, and community /Alex Sosler ; foreword by Russell Moore.  Weaving together church history, theology, and devotional practice, this introductory guide to spiritual formation retrieves the traditions rooted in truth, goodness, beauty, and community to help students follow the way of Jesus.

Daily doctrine : a one-year guide to systematic theology /Kevin DeYoung.  A year-long daily devotional that sets forth foundational systematic theology that is approachable and accessible.

Don’t look away : saying yes to the one /Don Brewster ; foreword by Mira Sorvino. The extent and depth of evil confronting us on a daily basis can be overwhelming, so overwhelming we can be tempted to look away from it. After all, with evil lurking around every corner, what difference can a single person make? In fighting the evil of child sex trafficking in Cambodia, and focusing on one life at a time, God has taken Don and Bridget Brewster’s seemingly insignificant and unqualified efforts to transform a community known for trafficking all its girls, to one that loves and protects all children. As the Brewsters took the lonely first steps of faith, God brought along others to serve with them. Through the telling of their story, the hope is that you will be challenged and inspired not to look away, but to say yes to fighting evils that surround us. In addition, you will find principles from their successes and warnings from their failures that can be used to fight evil anywhere.

 Evangelicals and abortion : historical, theological, practical perspectives /J. Cameron Fraser ; foreword by Kristy L. Johnson.  Evangelicals and Abortion traces the history and theological development of evangelical involvement in the abortion issue, and recommends some models of a biblically based response, with particular attention to the United States in the wake of the reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022.

Jesus and Paul in the context of Judaism and early Christianity : collected essays /Donald A. Hagner.  In the late nineteenth century, Jewish scholars began to be interested in Jesus and eventually Paul as important figures in the history of the Jewish people. Rightly understood, they argued, Jesus and Paul belonged more to Judaism than to Christianity, as even radical-critical Christian scholars were concluding. The earliest believers in Jesus were exclusively Jews, forming something like a new sect within Judaism. The emergence of the Christianity of the New Testament soon became a focus of attention for Jewish scholars, and with this a host of questions arose, such as about the influence of Hellenism, the parting of the ways, the widespread Christian misperception of Judaism, the tragedy of anti-Semitism, and the identity of Jesus as Messiah and Lord. The present essays address these and other issues, maintaining throughout the tension of continuity and discontinuity, and stressing the underappreciated radical newness of the New Testament.

 Reading the Old Testament as Christian scripture : a literary, canonical, and theological survey /Mark S. Gignilliat and Heath A. Thomas.  This survey textbook presents the Old Testament and major Old Testament topics effectively for contemporary undergraduate students.

 The great open dance : a progressive Christian theology /Jon Paul Sydnor. The Great Open Dance offers a progressive Christian theology that endorses contemporary ideals: environmental protection, economic justice, racial reconciliation, interreligious peace, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ celebration. Just as importantly, this book provides a theology of progress–an interpretation of Christian faith as ever-changing and ever-advancing into God’s imagination. Faith demands change because Jesus of Nazareth started a movement, not a tradition. He preached about a new world, the Kingdom of God, and invited his followers to work toward the divine vision of universal flourishing. This vision includes all and excludes none. Since we have not yet achieved the world that Jesus describes, we must continue to progress. The energizing impulse of this progress is the Trinity: Abba, Jesus, and Sophia, three persons united by love into one perfect community. God is fundamentally relational, and humankind, made in the image of God, is relational as a result. We are inextricably entwined with one another, sharing a common purpose and a common destiny. In this vision, we find abundant life by practicing agape, the universal, unconditional love that Abba extends, Jesus reveals, and Sophia inspires.

 The Kingdom of God is among you : lectures to my students on New Testament theology /Gordon D. Fee and Cherith Fee Nordling ; foreword by Craig S. Keener.  In this exciting volume, a renowned New Testament scholar provides his lectures on New Testament theology and provides us a window on his approach on a variety of issues. He describes the task as follows: “New Testament theology is the art of giving coherence to the collective witness of the twenty-seven New Testament documents as they attest to the Christian faith while not sacrificing the historical particularity of any one text or author within the canon, and to do this as clearly as possible and with as much consistency and unity as possible . . . New Testament theology deals with all the New Testament. We must resist the tendency to find a canon within the canon or to neglect some lesser figures in the New Testament canon . . . New Testament theology is first of all a descriptive task–i.e., we must first try to describe what is there. But given our stance toward Scripture, what we describe also becomes prescriptive or normative . . . We must never forget that the writings of the New Testament are ad hoc documents, written in each and every case to speak to a specific need. Thus, rather than careful, systematic presentations of theology (such as in a book or a lecture), the earliest Christian theology is worked out in the marketplace, as it were. Therefore, we must be careful not to force the New Testament writers to answer all of our questions, nor even to use our logic or thought forms.”–Excerpted from chapter 1.

The rabbinic parables and Jesus the parable teller /David Flusser ; translated by Timothy Keiderling.  First published in German as Die rabbinschen Gleichnisse und der Gleichniserzähler Jesusin 1981–and now translated into English for the first time–this seminal work by Professor David Flusser remains an important  contribution on Jesus as a storyteller in the Jewish rabbinic tradition. Using a literary approach to study extant rabbinic parables, he argues that Jesus’ parables belong to a genre that exists only in rabbinic literature and the New Testament. In order to analyze the theology behind Jesus’ parables, we need to understand them as a first-century literary art form.

 Writing and rewriting the Gospels : John and the Synoptics /James W. Barker.  A compelling reappraisal of the relationships between the canonical gospels   Biblical scholars have long debated the Synoptic problem and the literary relationship between the Gospel of John and the Synoptics. During the twentieth century, the consensus shifted decisively to the Two-Source hypothesis for the Synoptic problem along with the view that John’s Gospel was independent of the Synoptics. In recent decades all consensus has dissolved–yet these questions retain currency and significance.   James W. Barker takes up these questions and reappraises the evidence. Drawing on his expertise in ancient compositional practices, he makes a persuasive case for a snowballing trajectory, whereby each canonical gospel drew upon other canonical gospels. Thus, Mark was written first; Matthew draws on Mark; Luke draws on Mark and Matthew; and the last of the four, John, is dependent on all three Synoptics and was meant to be read alongside them.   This judicious and ambitious study will be of interest to New Testament scholars as well as general readers who want to know more about the literary relationships between the gospels.