The Word Made Love

From scholarly monographs to papal homilies, Joseph Ratzinger has insisted consistently over decades that Christianity is not a set of ideas to believe or, even less, moral laws to follow. Rather, Christianity is about a person and our encounter with that person. In The Word Made Love, Christopher Collins identifies in the structure of Ratzinger's thought the presentation of God as one who speaks and who ultimately speaks Himself in the person of Jesus Christ. Humanity's posture before God is one of hearing and responding. For Ratzinger, then, dialogue is the basic structure of all reality, and the Christian Vision articulates the radical transformation that happens when we enter into this divine dialogue. Collins argues that this dialogical, communicative structure is a distinctive aspect of Ratzinger's thought and a unique contribution to the renewal of theology in our day.

Building on the metahistorical exploration of drama that was the subject of Tongues of Flame, Dawn Langman explores the practical pathways through which the art of acting can evolve beyond the ‘body and soul’ paradigm still broadly accepted in contemporary culture. Through the integration of Rudolf Steiner’s research in the arts of speech and eurythmy, and together with Michael Chekhov’s acting techniques, Langman raises the spiritual dimension of the human being from that vague sensing which many actors intuit – but which has, however, little bearing on their practice – into a precise methodology. In this second volume in her series on ‘The Actor of the Future’, she offers performance artists a clear pathway ahead, enabling them to develop their work out of spiritual insight and consciousness.

Endorsements: ""Robert Stamps offers us a compelling case for the significance of the theology of Thomas Torrance to current discussions about Trinitarian doctrine and worship. He shows that Torrance's Christology and Eucharistic thought validates the Reformed confession of a profound, real spiritual presence in the Eucharist. This book serves as a helpful introduction to Torrance, especially his framing of revelation. Moreover, it invigorates our understanding of the theological meaning of sacramental devotion. Its readers will be stimulated, provoked, and, dare I say, inspired by its insights into--and critiques of--one of the most important and recent Reformed thinkers. In sum, this is a timely and exciting book. It will well serve pastors, theologians, and thoughtful Christians of many theological perspectives."" MARK VALERI, E. T. Thompson Professor of Church History, Union Theological Seminary, Virginia ""One of the values of this work is that it has deliberately sought not so much to discuss a particular problem or a collection of issues as to identify Torrance as an example of an archetypal Reformed theology of the Eucharist. To say that Dr. Stamps has been industrious is patently an understatement: the truth is that he has been indefatigable in his search for the least morsel that Torrance offers. Yet it is not so much as a study of Torrance that this book is to be commended: its great value is that it offers a contextualization of Torrance's thinking on the Eucharist--in ecclesiology, the more general dimension of an incarnational theology--as well as his understanding of cosmology and epistemology. . . . I hope that Dr. Stamps' book will not only find grateful readers but will be repaid by profound reflection on this symbol of the heart of faith."" JOHN HEYWOOD THOMAS, Emeritus Professor of Theology, University of Nottingham

James Kirkland, a retired pastor, lives with his wife Lyn in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where they minister together through Starfish Ministries, a work they founded in 2002. One outreach of that ministry is two radio shows which have aired weekly for 28 years, and on which the host has become known as "Pastor Jim." The couple also ministers to victims of relationship betrayal through seminars, and their first book, "Healing For the Broken Hearted,"This book is written to provide God's children with an understandable, practical guide to Scripture which is designed for daily use. Each day's devotional is presented in a simple, one-page format, but is packed with useful and sound Bible truth. Expect a blessing as you read each day's entry....it certainly has been a blessing for me to be able to provide this resource to you!

In Made for Love, Fr. Michael Schmitz presents the Catholic teaching on same-sex attraction and same-sex "sexual" relations. He begins by giving background information regarding the different worldviews of the human person, the philosophical ideas of nature and purpose, the differences between objective and subjective truth, the principal of non- contradiction, and the fallen human nature that resulted from Original Sin. He then discusses in great detail the nature and ends of human sexuality and the nature of true love, while, in a compassionate and non-judgmental way, explaining the flawed nature of same-sex "sexual" relations. While this book is intended primarily for those who have same-sex attraction and their family and friends, its presentation of the compassionate truth of Catholic teaching on same-sex attraction will be of great benefit to everyone in today's society.

More than a how-to guide, this book helps readers appreciate the significance, value, and role of church communications as a ministry, inviting communicators to understand the role they play in transmitting the Gospel. The author explains how the history of church communications, starting with the first-century church, provides a useful context for understanding church communications today, and offers counsel about using spiritual practices to face the challenges of communicating sacred messages.