Ongoing Conversion

This book is a compilation of homilies of Fr. Henry Charles composed and delivered over a period of at least twenty years. The homilies were written out and were eventually typed up and it is possible that Fr. Henry had himself thought about publishing them, though we do not know this for sure. While many persons were privileged to receive emailed copies and others actually heard his preaching, the homilies were thought to be deserving of a wider audience. The underlying message of his preaching is that discipleship of Jesus Christ requires not only the grace of faith but also demands perseverance, courage and discipline, critical elements of the process he terms "ongoing conversion." In addition, Fr. Henry advocates moral excellence, not settling for the merely moderate or the mediocre, but striving always to "be perfect." Fr. Henry faces up to and wrestles with the "perplexities" of the Gospel and he believed that one of the keys to overcoming these is an appreciation of its many paradoxes and that as a consequence, we are required to see things from a different perspective, not as we are normally inclined to see them, but as God sees them. The homilies have been arranged thematically On God; On Jesus; What Jesus Calls Us To Be; What Jesus Calls Us To Do; Faith; Hope; Love; Loss, Suffering, Death and Heaven; Virtues and Vices; Human Dignity; Spirituality; Church, Liturgy and Ritual and Culture Society and Leadership. There is of course considerable overlap among the various themes. The subjects he refers to and the examples he gives are contemporary and relevant, not only to a Caribbean audience, but we think to audiences globally. The style is informal and conversational for the most part and this quality of the writing has been maintained. The homilies have been edited for clarity and for obvious errors and omissions in the transcripts, and some have been retitled, but they have otherwise been reproduced and stand as he wrote them.

Western society is now a very different, very difficult mission field. In such a situation, the mission of evangelism cannot succeed with an attitude of "business as usual." This volume builds a theology of evangelism that has its focus on the church itself. Darrell Guder shows that the church's missionary calling requires that the theology and practice of evangelism be fundamentally rethought and redirected, focused on the continuing evangelization of the church so that it can carry out its witness faithfully in today's world. In Part 1 Guder explores how, under the influence of reductionism and individualism, the church has historically moved away from a biblical theology of evangelism. Part 2 presents contemporary challenges to the church's evangelical ministry, especially those challenges that illustrate the church's need for continuing conversion. Part 3 discusses what a truly missional theology would mean for the church, including sweeping changes in its institutional structures and practices. Written for teachers, church leaders, and students of evangelism, this volume is vital reading for everyone engaged in mission work.

Using reflections, exercises, and suggestions for prayer and group sharing, this practical book explores five forms of conversion, the seven dynamics that structure the process and the significance for conversion of sacramental worship.

Together with Consulting Editor Dr. Helen Boucher, Drs. Watkins and Bonomo have put together an issue of Infectious Disease Clinics of North America that provides the most current information on antibiotic resistance. Top experts have contributed clinical review articles that address the types of resistance based on drug class as well as emerging therapies and the future of telemedicine in the management of infections. The following topics are covered in this issue: The changing role of the clinical microbiology laboratory in defining resistance in gram-negatives; Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae infections; Multidrug-resistant bacteria in the community; Resistance to polymyxins; Resistance in Vancomycin-resistant enterococci; Resistance to newer ß-lactamase inhibitors; Antibiotic-resistant infections in the immunocompromised host; Emerging therapies for MRSA infections; Drug-resistant tuberculosis; Aminoglycoside resistance; The role of antibiotic stewardship and telemedicine in the management of MDR infections; and Emerging issues in antifungal resistance. Readers will have the current information they need to better manage antibiotic-resistant infections in patients.

Volume II develops a sacramental theology that addresses the needs of all adult Christians. The chapters on Marriage show how conversion both humanizes and Christianizes human sexuality, providing the context for a foundational rethinking of the meaning of the context for a foundational rethinking of the meaning of Christian Marriage. The discussion of Orders examines the responsibilities of ordained leaders and throws light on the rise of clericalism and on the meaning of priestly identity and ministry, in addition to clarifying the relationship between the priesthood of the laity and that of the ordained. A discussion of Christian nurture explains the practical and theoretical meaning of infant Baptism. This volume also examines the three sacraments that most foster ongoing conversion: Reconciliation, Anointing and Eucharist. After situating each of these rituals in its Biblical and historical setting, the author shows how each contributes to ongoing Christian conversion.

Volume II develops a sacramental theology that addresses the needs of all adult Christians. The chapters on Marriage show how conversion both humanizes and Christianizes human sexuality, providing the context for a foundational rethinking of the meaning of the context for a foundational rethinking of the meaning of Christian Marriage. The discussion of Orders examines the responsibilities of ordained leaders and throws light on the rise of clericalism and on the meaning of priestly identity and ministry, in addition to clarifying the relationship between the priesthood of the laity and that of the ordained. A discussion of Christian nurture explains the practical and theoretical meaning of infant Baptism. This volume also examines the three sacraments that most foster ongoing conversion: Reconciliation, Anointing and Eucharist. After situating each of these rituals in its Biblical and historical setting, the author shows how each contributes to ongoing Christian conversion.