Original Grace

“After the conviction and condemnation of the Pelagian heresy with its authors by the bishops of the Church of Rome,—first Innocent, and then Zosimus,—with the co-operation of letters of African councils, I wrote two books against them: one On the Grace of Christ, and the other On Original Sin. The work began with the following words: How greatly we rejoice on account of your bodily, and, above all, because of your Spiritual welfare.’“ Aeterna Press

Perhaps no one else has ever faced as much hardship, opposition, or relentless suffering as the apostle Paul. And yet, through it all, Paul stood firm in Christ and remained faithful—to the very end. The power of Paul’s example has captivated veteran pastor John MacArthur for years, and here he outlines nine unwavering convictions that contributed to this remarkable perseverance. In an age when pastoral failure and burnout are increasingly common, this book is a call to endurance in ministry, encouraging pastors to stand strong in their role and not lose heart, regardless of what God sends their way.

Reproduction of the original: Grace Harlowe ́s First Year at Overton College by Josephine Chase

This work addresses a topic of interest to many people who are seeking to better understand the Christian doctrine of salvation (soteriology). It is written to provide a systematic biblical and theological critique of a particularly popular perspective of this doctrine that has seen something of a resurgence in recent years, namely Calvinism. The book is structured around the so-called five points of Calvinism, commonly referred to by the acronym TULIP: Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, and Perseverance of the saints. Following an initial chapter outlining the historical development of the doctrine, each of the five points are examined in subsequent chapters. Each point is described in the words of prominent Calvinist scholars, key biblical texts purporting to support the doctrine carefully evaluated, and a series of theological issues related to the point are raised and discussed.

Throughout the history of Christianity, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (“LGBT” or“queer”) people have been condemned as unrepentant sinners who are in dire need of God’s saving grace. As a result of this condemnation, LGBT people have been subjected to great spiritual, emotional and physical abuse and violence. This issue takes on a particular urgency in light of the ongoing harassment and bullying of LGBT young people by their classmates. Cheng argues that people need to be liberated from the traditional legal model of thinking about sin and grace as a violation of divine and natural laws in which grace is understood as the strength to refrain from violating such laws. Rather Cheng proposes a Christological model based upon the theologies of Irenaeus, Bonaventure and Barth, in which sin and grace are defined in terms of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. This book serves as a useful resource for all people who struggle to make sense of the traditional Christian doctrines of sin and grace in the context of the 21st century.

Recollecting America's Original Sin: A Pilgrimage of Race and Grace journeys into anti-black racism throughout US history through a Christian spirituality lens. The reflections are fashioned as a spiritual pilgrimage that integrates listening, reflecting, and daily living. It recollects the nation’s freedom struggles around race, our original sin, which constrains and stains us now as ever. Walking a holy road of past, present, and future meaning, the chapters interlace historical moments and places into a web of provocative concerns. Anyone desiring to respond faithfully to the justice reckonings now seizing our country will travel the race-and-grace journey in these pages.

“This impassioned book invites readers to the deep end of life where authentic soul work and human transformation become pressing concerns.” —Publishers Weekly 2019 Independent Publisher Book Awards Gold Medalist in the Aging/Death & Dying Category From bestselling author Parker J. Palmer comes a brave and beautiful book for all who want to age reflectively, seeking new insights and life-giving ways to engage in the world. “Age itself,” he says, “is no excuse to wade in the shallows. It’s a reason to dive deep and take creative risks.” Looking back on eight decades of life—and on his work as a writer, teacher, and activist—Palmer explores what he’s learning about self and world, inviting readers to explore their own experience. In prose and poetry—and three downloadable songs written for the book by the gifted Carrie Newcomer—he meditates on the meanings of life, past, present, and future. With compassion and chutzpah, gravitas and levity, Palmer writes about cultivating a vital inner and outer life, finding meaning in suffering and joy, and forming friendships across the generations that bring new life to young and old alike. “This book is a companion for not merely surviving a fractured world, but embodying—like Parker—the fiercely honest and gracious wholeness that is ours to claim at every stage of life.” —Krista Tippett, New York Times-bestselling author of Becoming Wise “A wondrously rich mix of reality and possibility, comfort and story, helpful counsel and poetry, in the voice of a friend . . . This is a book of immense gratitude, consolation, and praise.” —Naomi Shihab Nye, National Book Award finalist