Historical Theology

The third of Martin Luther’s 1520 treatises, also referred to as A Treatise on Christian Liberty, this work focuses on the topics of justification and total salvation. Boldly, unmistakably, and directly contrasting the teachings of the church, Luther argued for the truth he found in studying the Bible on his own. Introducing, for the first time to many people, the argument for justification through faith alone, he knocked down the idea of being dependent on additional sacraments, penances, and works for salvation.

Aquinas at Prayer draws attention to important aspects of Aquinas's life and work which have been all too often overlooked or forgotten. Today Aquinas is almost exclusively regarded as an outstanding scholastic philosopher and theologian. But what is little known is that Aquinas was, first and last, a teacher of the Bible - a Master of the Sacred Page. Moreover there is a distinctly mystical character to his theology. And, as a writer, he was not only a poet but, arguably, the greatest Latin poet of the Middle Ages.

The figure of Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) has become a clay puppet in modern American politics. Secular, radical, liberal, and evangelical interpreters variously shape and mold the martyr’s legacy to suit their own pet agendas. Stephen Haynes offers an incisive and clarifying perspective. A recognized Bonhoeffer expert, Haynes examines “populist” readings of Bonhoeffer, including the acclaimed biography by Eric Metaxas, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy.

After the conversion of St. Paul on the road to Damascus, the dramatic conversion of St. Augustine - as he himself tells it in his Confessions - is the most significant conversion story in Christian history. Augustine's experience speaks to his dilemma that many people have understood when counting the cost of converting to Christ. He had come to intellectual certainty about the truth of Christianity but he could not embrace it in faith.

What really happened back in the first century, in Jerusalem and around the Sea of Galilee, that changed the shape of world history? Who is this figure that emerges from history to have a profound impact on culture, ethics, politics, and philosophy? Join historian John Dickson on this journey through the life of Jesus.

Gregory the Great (bishop of Rome from 590 to 604) is one of the most significant figures in the history of Christianity. His theological works framed medieval Christian attitudes toward mysticism, exegesis, and the role of the saints in the life of the church. The scale of Gregory's administrative activity in both the ecclesial and civic affairs of Rome also helped to make possible the formation of the medieval papacy.

An inside snapshot view of the innovative Seattle church called Mars Hill and its Acts 29 network. This audiobook provides - with a touch of sarcasm and humor - both principles and practices shared from the people actually doing missional church ministry with people often untouched by todays traditional and contemporary churches.

Is there hope beyond the elect? What did the earliest Christians believe about prophecy, judgment, and salvation? In ESSAYS IN EARLY CHRISTIANITY, Jonathan Ramachandran explores ancient theological possibilities grounded in Scripture and the writings of the earliest Church Fathers. With careful adherence to the historical-grammatical method and a commitment to literal biblical interpretation, Ramachandran revisits the long-forgotten Chiliasm model—a belief in the literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth—as taught by voices like Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, and Papias. This volume ...

The heart of this book is a thoughtful and inspiring look at Wesley's theology of grace and its power to transform. Included are two new chapters. 'Vision and Means' explores Wesley's mission and methods, and 'To Serve the Present Age' considers the impact and relevance of his message today. In addition, an updated reading list facilitates further study, and questions at the end of each chapter stimulate personal reflection and small group discussion.Ideal as a textbook or for personal study and reflection, this book will advance your knowledge and piety as you travel 'the way to heaven.

Sound interesting? The author thinks so too! Listen to At the Precipice of Time and learn about the hardcore, often-intimidating, and difficult-to-understand commentary on the Book of Daniel.

C S. Lewis stands as one of the most influential Christians of the twentieth century. His commitment to the life of the mind and the life of the heart is evident in classics like the Chronicles of Narnia and Mere Christianity―books that illustrate the unbreakable connection between rigorous thought and deep affection. This volume explores the man, his work, and his legacy―reveling in the truth at the heart of Lewis’s spiritual genius: God alone is the answer to our deepest longings and the source of our unending joy.

Most Christians are familiar with the opening words of Genesis: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” But push beyond those iconic words, and sometimes the details get a little hazy. And strange. God walked around in a garden? Eve was made from Adam’s rib? A talking serpent? And what the in the world were the “Nephilim”? In The Characters of Creation, Daniel Darling re-introduces listeners to the story they thought they knew.

An unapologetic tale of 21 saints from 21 centuries, Against the Grain is a heroic love story. To add texture and depth, each century is set in its historical context and highlights a heroic virtue associated with the saint. For our church, nation, and culture to improve, there must be an increase in virtue. This is a playbook to stop playing defense and start playing offense. If you live as a sign of contradiction amidst our coarsening culture and are looking to live a life of greater virtue, perhaps even heroic virtue, be fortified with Against the Grain.

The account of Adam and Eve is more than just an ancient tale; it is the cornerstone of the Christian understanding of human origins, sin, and redemption. Yet, in an age where scientific discoveries offer new insights into the history of humanity, many are left wondering: Can the biblical account of Adam and Eve be reconciled with the evidence provided by genetics, anthropology, and evolutionary theory? The Historical Adam & Eve: Reconciling Faith and Fact in Genesis tackles this pressing question head-on. Written with both scholarly rigor and deep faith, this book explores the possibility ...

In this illuminating audiobook, Thomas Kidd draws on his expertise in American religious history to retrace the arc of this spiritual movement, illustrating just how historically peculiar that political and ethnic definition (white Republican) of evangelicals is. He examines distortions in the public understanding of evangelicals and shows how a group of “Republican insider evangelicals” aided the politicization of the movement. This book will be a must-listen for those trying to better understand the shifting religious and political landscape of America today.

Thirty-three fascinating objects. One amazing story. Join author and pastor Tim Challies as he embarks on a three-year journey spanning multiple continents and some of the most unusual places in the world. Tim introduces you to 33 carefully selected objects that help you understand the long and complicated history of Christianity in a unique and creative way.

Tertullian, in To His Wife, discusses Christian marriage between a man and woman. The need for the institution to procreate and to find comfort. And in support of the apostle Paul that it is better to marry than to burn. He looks at the spiritual significance of marriage and what our eternal relationship is to our spouse. Tertullian provides various recommendations regarding marriage.

What happens to us after we die? For the first 500 years after Christ, most Christians believed that God would ultimately redeem all of his creation. Hell was real, but it didn't last forever. Its purpose was to restore, not just to punish. Then beliefs changed. For the past 1,500 years we’ve been told that most of the billions of people who have lived on this earth will remain separated from the love and mercy of God for all eternity.

We hear the stories about Peter and John, and all the heroes of the New Testament, and they're unstoppable Christians - fearless and bold. And sometimes we wrongly assume that they just got that way. That Christ died for their sins, and bam! They're instantly changed! On the contrary, the disciples were actually quite cowardly in their actions after the Resurrection.

In which the author gives a concise account of, together with sundry caustic animadversions on, the very fantastic theology of the sect. This treatise is professedly taken from the writings of Justin, Miltiades, Irenæus, and Proculus.