Christian Perspectives On Being Human

Sets out to look for answers to the question in Psalm 8: "What is man, that thou art mindful of him?" It seeks an understanding of humankind in the light of the Bible and Christian tradition, starting from the ideas to be found in the first chapters of Genesis and ending with the ultimate destiny of the human race as illustrated in the Book of Revelation.

While there is a unity to truth from God's perspective, there are nevertheless many different ways of knowing, studying, and defining that truth. Thus, "the task of integration is the task of relating theology and other disciplines in such a way that one articulates and defends a comprehensive, unified Christian worldview." Christian Perspectives on Being Human is a vital step in that essential process of integration. In this unique anthology, colleagues from various departments at Biola University undertake an important multidisciplinary approach to integration. J. P. Moreland and David Ciocchi represent philosophy in this discussion; Robert Saucy, theology; Sherwood Lingenfelter, anthropology; Nancy Duvall and Keith Edwards, psychology; Walt Russell and Scott Rae, New Testament and medical ethics; and Klaus Issler, Christian education.

A Doctrine Commission publication, this volume addresses what it means to be human from the perspective of the four key elements of power, money, sex and time. It combines classical Church teaching and biblical material with ideas from contemporary debates and sources.

What is consciousness? Is the mind a machine? What makes each of us a person? How do our bodies relate to our minds? In this deeply engaging exploration of what it means to be human, Rowan Williams addresses these frequently asked questions with lucid meditations that draw from findings in neuroscience, philosophy, psychology, and literature. Then he presses on to ask, Might faith be necessary to human flourishing? If so, why? And how can a traditional Christian practice—namely, silence—help us advance on the path to human maturity? The book ends with a brief but profound meditation on Christ’s ascension, inviting readers to consider how, through Jesus, our humanity in all its variety and vulnerability has been transfigured and taken into the heart of the divine life. Being Human is a book that readers of all religious persuasions will find both challenging and highly rewarding. Questions at the end of each chapter encourage personal reflection or group discussion.

Who is right about what it means to be human? The Greeks envisioned an ideal humanity. Their ethereal sculptures depict a transcendent, spiritual model. But today many scientists view human beings as mere machines. And some believe we will be able to make machines with human-like intelligence in the near future. The biblical view of humanity is different from both of these. For the writers of Scripture, to be human is to be in the image of God. Guided by this view, Ranald Macaulay and Jerram Barrs discuss the nature of spiritual experience. As the pursuit of true spirituality takes us away from sinfulness, it moves us closer to what God intended us to be. When we are truly spiritual, we are fully human. Macauley and Barrs begin by stressing the centrality of Christ. Then they distinguish between self and the sinfulness of self, argue for using our minds in spiritual matters, and illuminate the many ways God guides us. Their chapter on the family discusses the vexed issue of authority. And they conclude with a look at the evidence, judgment, hope, joy and reward of faith. In short, this book, now back in print due to ongoing demand, presents an integrated model for what human beings really are.

A Biblical Perspective on What It Means to Be Human This major work by a widely respected Old Testament scholar and theologian unpacks a biblical perspective on fundamental questions of what it means to be human. J. Gordon McConville explores how a biblical view of humanity provides a foundation for Christian reflection on ethics, economics, politics, and church life and practice. The book shows that the Old Testament's view of humanity as "earthed" and "embodied" plays an essential part in a well-rounded Christian theology and spirituality, and applies the theological concept of the "image of God" to all areas of human existence.

What does it mean to be human and made in the image of God? This collection of essays explores the question from a wide range of theological and philosophical perspectives.

¥ What does it mean to be human? ¥ How does a right understanding of personhood affect decisions on critical life situations? ¥ What implications does a biblical perspective on personhood have for the pastoral ministry of healing and hope? In answering these questions, Ray S. Anderson focused on the person as determined by and sustained by the creative power of God. He explored the the implications of a biblical understanding of personhood for such critical issues as human sexuality, family relationships, abortion, and death. He broke new ground in relating pastoral care and counseling to contemporary issues which challenge Christians and their understanding of the meaning of human life.