Caught In The Pulpit

What is it like to be a preacher or rabbi who no longer believes in God? In this expanded and updated edition of their groundbreaking study, Daniel C. Dennett and Linda LaScola comprehensively and sensitively expose an inconvenient truth that religious institutions face in the new transparency of the information age—the phenomenon of clergy who no longer believe what they publicly preach. In confidential interviews, clergy from across the ministerial spectrum—from liberal to literal—reveal how their lives of religious service and study have led them to a truth inimical to their professed beliefs and profession. Although their personal stories are as varied as the denominations they once represented, or continue to represent—whether Catholic, Baptist, Episcopalian, Methodist, Mormon, Pentecostal, or any of numerous others—they give voice not only to their own struggles but also to those who similarly suffer in tender and lonely silence. As this study poignantly and vividly reveals, their common journey has far-reaching implications not only for their families, their congregations, and their communities—but also for the very future of religion.

What is it like to be a preacher who can no longer believe the creed? In confidential interviews, clergy reveal how their lives of service are overshadowed by hypocrisy, as they contemplate taking a leap from their faith. As religious leaders struggle to adapt to the new transparency of the information age, the phenomenon of non-believing clergy portends surprising developments in the future of religious belief.

The Pulpit Commentary was first published between 1880 and 1919 and is a highly respected work written by conservative, trustworthy men. Containing over 22,000 pages and 95,000 entries, it is one of the largest and best-selling homiletic commentary sets of all time. It was directed by editors Joseph Exell and Henry Donald Maurice Spence-Jones and utilized more than 100 authors over a 30-year span. When reading this commentary, it is not difficult to see why it has remained a favorite amongst pastors for more than 100 years. There are three key elements which set this apart from its contemporaries, the first being that it gives an exposition or verse-by-verse annotation of each verse in the Bible. The second element is that it explores the framework of the text, the homiletics. Finally, it supplies the homilies with multiple model sermons from various authors. Also included is a translation as well as historical and geographical information. The Evangelical Magazine and Missionary Chronicle declared, “This commentary bids fair to take a conspicuous place among the ever-multiplying aids to the study of the Holy Scriptures. It will revive the great work of Lange, and will far exceed the Speaker's Commentary in the bulk and fullness of its material. The peculiarity of the Pulpit Commentary is that it offers special assistance to the preacher: first by giving him a critical and exegetical exposition of the text of Scripture, and then providing him with succinct and helpful directions as to the preachable aspects of the chapter and paragraph already explained." The print edition of this set typically retails for more than $1,000 making the current offered price a very good bargain. Due to its size, it has been broken up into nine separate volumes: Volume 1 - Genesis to Joshua Volume 2 - Judges to 2 Kings Volume 3 - 1 Chronicles to Job Volume 4 - Psalms to Song of Songs Volume 5 - Isaiah to Daniel Volume 6 - Hosea to Malachi Volume 7 - Matthew to John Volume 8 - Act to Philippians Volume 9- Colossians to Revelation The footnotes have been placed in line with the text with each footnote number enclosed in red brackets (i.e.: []) and the text in green. There is also a linked table of contents at the beginning of each volume for ease of navigation. Key Features: * Over 22,000 pages with more than 95,000 entries * One of the largest and exhaustive commentary sets of its kind * Contributions from over 100 authors * Expositions—with thorough verse-by-verse commentary of each verse of the Bible * Homiletics—with the framework or overall look of the text * Homilies—four to six sample sermons from various authors * Detailed information on Biblical customs * Historical and geographical information * Translations of key Hebrew and Greek words All 23 Volumes of the printed version are included in these nine volumes. 1. Genesis/Exodus 2. Leviticus/Numbers 3. Deuteronomy/Joshua/Judges 4. Ruth/1&2 Samuel 5. 1&2 Kings 6. 1&2 Chronicles 7. Ezra/Nehemiah/Esther/Job 8. Psalms 9. Proverbs/Ecclesiastes/Song of Solomon 10. Isaiah 11. Jeremiah/Lamentations 12. Ezekiel 13. Daniel/Hosea/Joel 14. Amos - Malachi 15. Matthew 16. Mark/Luke 17. John 18. Acts/Romans 19. 1&2 Corinthians 20. Galatians - Colossians 21. 1&2 Thessalonians - James 22. 1&2 Peter - Revelation

"Progress in the Pulpit is a master class in preaching, written by two most-qualified authors. Dr. Jerry Vines is truly a Prince of the Pulpit.” — Dr. Albert Mohler Jr., from the foreword Like musical instruments, preachers get better over time—unless, of course, they neglect maintenance. Progress in the Pulpit is for seasoned preachers looking to refresh their craft and receive guidance for contemporary challenges to preaching. While most preaching books are geared toward new preachers, Progress in the Pulpit builds on the basics and focuses on what often falls into neglect. You will learn to better: Connect to audiences without compromising biblical truth Plan, evaluate, and get feedback on sermons Battle biblical illiteracy in your congregation Employ word studies and other technical aspects of biblical interpretation Increase imagination and creativity in sermon writing Extend the life of a sermon via social media, small groups, and more Establish habits for continued growth Drs. Jerry Vines and Jim Shaddix, who wrote Power in the Pulpit (a book still used in seminaries today), remain committed to pure expository preaching. Yet they understand that the times change and present new challenges. Here they offer guidance to help preachers stay sharp and grow in the craft of faithfully proclaiming God’s Word.

Poverty has several definitions, depending on who's defining and from what perspective. For this discourse, we define it as emptiness that borders on acute lack--be it spiritual, social, material, economic, financial or political; the absence of basic provisions that makes a person's life meaningful and bearable. It's not just the absence of food, shelter or clothing but also the absence of health-care (by whatever definition), social rights and access to education, justice and public political space to shape events in the social environment. It's a measure of societal development (Seers 1977). Poverty level defines social status--which determines social access. Poverty is better explained or defined fully by the person experiencing it, with the right words and/or images for others to understand. Poverty is personal yet very public, As its presence is a collective condemnation of society (secular/spiritual). Paradoxically, poverty from close quarters (trusted by us), Is like friendly fire in a combat zone. Armies train their soldiers to take on enemy fire, and prevail. Friendly fire? It's not only a different kind of fire, it's unanticipated and response is difficult. Its impact is painful and response is challenging because relationships are involved. There's a shocking devastation because of its source. Poverty from a close quarter like a pulpit is really difficult to comprehend left alone deal with. Though difficult, friendly fire requires a response and to get on with the war at hand. We need the same approach in dealing with poverty from a very close source like a pulpit. Poverty from the Pulpit is a Christian-sociological analysis of poverty within the body of Christ in this era of "prosperity theology" that pervades Christendom today. it asks Christians everywhere to question their perception of poverty and see where the source of their poverty is and where the solution lies.

Everyone remembers and enjoys a good story -- and heartfelt stories touch us in ways nothing else can. Jesus used stories or parables to emphasize his points and lead his listeners to look at themselves and examine their motivations. This collection of stories illustrating biblical passages from Cycle B of the Revised Common Lectionary will touch your soul. Berg speaks to the person in the pew with accounts drawn from conversations with people, observations of everyday life, and a vast arena of literature.