Bücher der Reihe Studies in Christian History and Thought

Discernment in the Desert Fathers is a study of discernment (Diakrisis) in the life and thought of the fourth- and fifth-century Egyptian Desert Fathers. Rich argues that their understanding of Diakrisis was based upon a practical application of biblical Diakrisis in general and not, as has been argued, primarily a development of the gift of "discernment of spirits." He begins with an examination of Scripture and goes on to consider the philosophical and theological background of the period as represented by Plotinus and Origen respectively. An examination of the works of the first "theologians of the desert," Evagrius and Cassian, who lived among these first Christian monks and nuns, provides an early interpretation of the sayings of the Desert Fathers or Apophthegmata Patrum. The Greek, Latin, and Coptic sayings that survive are then examined in detail, some of them translated into English for the first time. This indepth analysis (including the comprehensive list of cross-references which will be a valuable resource for scholars researching the subject in the future) provides many insights into the lives of these early Christians and demonstrates how Diakrisis touched every aspect of their inward and outward lives. Rich concludes that Diakrisis was a critical faculty and charism central to the spiritual and practical life of these early monks and nuns in their mystical search for God, for purity of life, and knowledge of him.

Traditionally Protestant theology, between Luther's early reforming career and the dawn of the Enlightenment, has been seen in terms of decline and fall into the wastelands of rationalism and scholastic speculation. Editors Trueman and Clark challenge this perception in this transatlantic collection of eighteen essays covering Luther and Calvin; Early Reformed Orthodoxy; the British Connection; From High Orthodoxy to Enlightenment; and the Rise of Lutheran Orthodoxy.

A volume of twelve papers offering an insight into twentieth century Nonconformity, from theology and liturgy to architecture, from the world of business to peace and war.

This book surveys approaches to the marvelous in hagiography, providing the first critique of Plummeras hypothesis of Irish saga origin. It then analyzes the uniquely systematized phenomena in the Life of Columba from Adomnanas seventh-century theological perspective, identifying the coming of the eschatological Kingdom as the key to understanding.

This work examines Richard Baxter's understanding and practice of pastoral ministry from the perspective of his own stated concern for 'reformation' and in the broader context of Edwardian, Elizabethan and early Stuart pastoral ideals and practice. It investigates Baxter's major treatise on pastoral ministry and explores the background of each a...

McInnis studies the influence of George MacDonald on C.S. Lewis. Beginning with the authors' early experiences of suffering and their literary reactions to it, McInnis shows how MacDonald's writings helped transform Lewis from an imaginative doubter and escapist into a believer in the reality of God and his goodness. While other books have only mentioned the fact that Lewis called MacDonald his "master", and that MacDonald's Phantastes helped "baptize" Lewis' imagination, this study traces the overall effect of MacDonald's works on Lewis' thought and imagination.

Experts in Reformation studies identify and elucidate areas of sixteenth century reforming activity in Martin Luther, John Calvin and other leading reformers to demonstrate the thoroughgoing nature of the Reformation agenda: doctrinal - Zwingli on the providence of God; radical grace in Martin Luther's doctrine of the Fall; Calvin's theology of the human body; Calvin and the patristic doctrine of deification; John Jewel's biblical doctrine of the royal supremacy; exegetical - interpretations of the Psalms quoted in Hebrews 1-2; Luther and Calvin's understanding of Isaiah 53; social/pastoral - Luther and Calvin on marriage; Calvin's circle of friends; Calvin's letters to contemporary martyrs; Calvin's preaching; historical - contributions of the Brethren of the Open Life to the Reformation; rethinking Marburg; and later studies - the gospel in early Reformed orthodoxy; Eucharistic debates in seventeenth century France. The book furthers our understanding of this turbulent, seminal period of history.

From a historical point of view Sunday schools have immense significance. In the nineteenth century Sunday schools were part of general educational provision and represented the Christian philanthropic impulse to provide a basic education to the population at large and at low cost. In this book a range of experts assess different aspects of the history of the Sunday school movement. Contributors include Clyde Binfield Faith Bowers John Briggs Grayson Ditchfield Hugh McLeod Stephen Orchard Jack Priestley Geoffrey Robson and Doreen Rosman.

The aim of the book is to explore some of the contributions made by Protestant Nonconformity to Christian missions. The occasion of the conference which gave rise to the volume was the centenary of the Edinburgh Missionary Conference of 1910, but the topics treated here deliberately range more widely, covering missions in Britain and the wider world from the eighteenth to the twentieth century. COMMENDATIONS "Martin Wellings is to be warmly thanked for gathering such an informative and stimulating collection of papers. They are scholarly and accessible, and deserve to be widely read." - Alan P.F. Sell, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, UK

An examination of the sermons of John Flavel shows that the effectual call was absolutely central to Puritan preaching.

These important and incisive essays, spanning more than two decades of research and engagement, probe facets and episodes of infant baptisms' fortunes over twenty centuries. The story of paedo baptism is traced from its shadowy beginnings as a variant of faith-baptism, through inflated Reformation defenses as it monopolized baptismal thought and practice, to biblical and ecumenical reevaluations and hopeful contemporary rapprochements across divisive waters.

An accessible and academic reading of the doctrine of justification by faith.

A historical account of how leading evangelicals in the late nineteenth century fused a passion for evangelism with social service, cultural engagement and political activism.