ivp book club digest - july 6, 2015

8/21/2019 IVP Book Club Digest - July 6, 2015

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J U L Y 6 , 2 0 1 5

IN THIS ISSUE ▷IS CHRISTIANOPHOBIA A REAL THING? ▷COMICBOOK JESUS IS BACK

▷ A FRESH TRANSLATION OF CYRIL FOR TODAY ▷21 DAYS TO A LIFE OF GENEROSITY

Travel Back

to RomanTimes



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2 I V P B O O K C L U B . C O M

FAST-PACED BIBLICAL FICTION

Enter a world of warfare and treachery, of duty

and honor, of love and loyalty, interwoven with

the inner workings of a Roman centurion’s

household. And then trace it as the road curves

toward little Capernaum.

Follow the story of Appius, a proud centurion,

and Tullus, his scribe and slave. From a battle

with the Parthians, through a tragic personal

crisis, to the gladiator arena at Caesarea

Maritima, their tale finally leads to the

backwater village of Capernaum on the shoresof Galilee. There, in a culture not their own

and during a week they will never forget, they

encounter a Jewish prophet from Nazareth.

In entertaining historical fiction, splashed with

informative sidebars and images, this story

gives us a first-century view of the world ofthe Gospels. We capture a view of Jesus’ world

from the outer framework looking in.

192 pages, paperback, 2462, $16.00

CLUB PRICE: $11.20

This book will ship automatically unlessyou reply by July 6, 2015.

Gary M. Burge (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is professor of New

Testament at Wheaton College. Among his many published books areTheology Questions Everyone Asks (with coeditor David Lauber), The Baker

Illustrated Bible Commentary (general editor with Andrew Hill), John: The

Gospel of Life and the award-winning Whose Land? Whose Promise?



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M A I N S E L E C T I O N

1-800-843-9487

PRAISE FOR A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF

A ROMAN CENTURION

“I couldn’t put this book down. Part historical novel

and part cultural handbook, Gary Burge’s A Week

in the Life of a Roman Centurion is a delight

to read. This will be a great supplemental text for myNew Testament courses. Students will be so entertained

they won’t even realize how much they’re learning!”

—Mark L. Strauss, Bethel Seminary, San Diego

“Masterfully written and extensively researched, this

fast-paced account invites the reader into the first-

century world of the Gospels even while intriguingthe reader as a good story should. In contrast to some

scholars’ wooden portrayals of all Jews or Romans or

Syrians as the same, in this story, the characters are

nuanced and come alive.”

—Craig Keener, Asbury Theological Seminary,author, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament

“Biblical scholars are not typically known for writing

historical novels, much less gripping page-turners.

Gary Burge, however, has accomplished both of

these feats. . . . This story not only makes the New

Testament world come alive but it creates one very

plausible scenario of the career and family of the

Capernaum centurion of Matthew 8:5-13 andLuke 7:1-10.”

—Craig L. Blomberg, Denver Seminary

Q & A WITH GARY BURGE

HOW DID THIS EXPERIENCE DIFFER FROMYOUR NONFICTION WRITING?

I have written extensively about the

Gospel of John and in my teaching—I

specialize in the Gospels and the history

and culture of first-century Gali lee. Forthe past few years, I have been interested

in bringing to more popular audiences

the things we scholars read and discuss

regularly. There is a huge gap here.

Regular readers of the New Testament

do not know the things we take for

granted. And when we fill in the picture

for them, suddenly they see that the New

Testament has real life in a real living

context.

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL WITH THIS STORY?

I did not want to write Christian fic-

tion that converted the centurion. Thatwould be too easy. This is a complicated

man—he wouldn’t simply become a

“Christ-follower” overnight.

RELATED TITLE:

A WEEK IN THE LIFE

OF CORINTHBen Witherington III

159 pages,paperback, 3962,$16.00CLUB PRICE: $11.20



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MAPPING HOLY GROUND

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Sometimes Christians are too quick to claim that

they are being persecuted. But in our heated cultural

environment, Christians aren’t just being paranoid

or alarmist. Anti-Christian hostility is real.

Sociologist George Yancey explores the phenom-enon of Christianophobia, an intense animosity

against Christians and the Christian faith. While

Christianophobia in the United States does not

typically rise to the violent levels of religious per-

secution in other parts of the world, Christians are

often still treated in ways that perpetuate negative

stereotypes and contribute to culture wars.

Yancey unpacks the underlying root causes of

Christianophobia, considering how Christians

have themselves contributed to the hostility. In this

truthful yet hope-filled treatise, Yancey shows how

Christians can respond more constructively, defus-

ing tensions and working toward the common good.


CLUB PRICE: $11.20This book will ship automatically unlessyou reply by July 6, 2015.

EXAMINING ANTI-CHRISTIAN BIAS

George Yancey (PhD, University of Texas) is professor of sociology at the

University of North Texas, specializing in race/ethnicity, biracial families and

anti-Christian bias. He is the author, coauthor or coeditor of books such as

Compromising Scholarship: Religious and Political Bias in American Higher Education, There

Is No God: Atheists in America , Dehumanizing Christians , Beyond Racial Gridlock and

Just Don’t Marry One . He is the founder of Reconciliation Consulting, helping

churches and ministries develop and sustain a multiracial emphasis.



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M A I N S E L E C T I O N

1-800-843-9487

David Williamson and I conducted a

survey of culturally progressive activ-

ists using open-ended questions. The

survey questions elicited a variety of

hostile statements aimed at conservative

Christians. One statement in particular(from a male, age 36-45) caught my

attention: “The only good Christian is a

dead Christian.”. . .

As a Christian, I was tempted to become

angry at those who spew such venom. I

might also have matched the hatred of

my friend’s students with hatred of my

own, but I know that this is not the right

way to respond. . . . What is a Christian

response to hatred directed at us? Do we

ignore that hatred to suffer in silence, or

do we confront it? Do we actively con-

front it, and if we do, then how should

we do so?

“George Yancey is a sociologist of consequence, and

Hostile Environment represents his most signifi-

cant research yet. . . . He unpacks the root causes of

anti-Christian hostility and helps Christians under-

stand how to respond with wisdom, love and equity.”

—Bruce Riley Ashford, Southeastern BaptistTheological Seminary

“ Hostile Environment combines empirical

evidence with fair-minded, exacting analysis. . . . It

offers principled remedies to all those who struggle to

share the unique and productive knowledge that is in

Christ to a society that thinks it has outgrown him.”

—Mary Poplin, Claremont GraduateUniversity, author of Is Reality Secular?

“Yancey urges us to get in the war in an honorable

way, adding our courage and insight for cultural

survival and renewal. At times we’re to fight fire

with fire. That might mean calling out bigotry and

hate where you see it.”

—Kelly Monroe Kullberg, founder, TheVeritas Forum, author of Finding God at Harvard

PRAISE FOR HOSTILE ENVIRONMENTFROM THE INTRODUCTION

RELATED TITLES:

THE GLOBAL PUBLIC SQUAREOs Guinness


CLUB PRICE: $11.20

BEYOND RACIAL GRIDLOCKGeorge Yancey 197 pages, paperback, 3376, $18.00CLUB PRICE: $12.60



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N E W A L T E R N A T E S

I V P B O O K C L U B . C O M6

THE MISSION OF PREACHINGPatrick W. T. Johnson

Foreword by David J. Lose

In this groundbreaking work, Patrick W. T. Johnson develops a newmissional homiletic to aid preachers in their witness to the gospel of

Jesus Christ in this post-Christendom world.

239 PAGES, PAPERBACK, 4070, $25.00

CLUB PRICE: $17.50EBOOK AVAILABLE

REDEEMING SEXDebra Hirsch

Foreword by Gabe Lyons

Nothing has exposed the gap between the church and society quite likethe volatile topics of sexuality, identities, orientations and even gender.Debra Hirsch helps us discover a holistic, biblical vision of sex andgender that honors God and offers good news to the world.



COMMENTARY ON JOHN, VOLUME 2Ancient Christian Texts

Cyril of Alexandria, translated by David R. Maxwell,

edited by Joel C. Elowsky

The first complete English translation of Cyril of Alexandria’sCommentary on John since the nineteenth century, this volume unveils one

of the brightest lights in the Alexandrian tradition.xxxii + 394 PAGES, HARDCOVER, 2912, $60.00


CREATIVE CHURCH HANDBOOKJ. Scott McElroy

Among your church’s members are artists and musicians whosegifts can enhance your worship, inform your theology and impactyour community. Christian arts advocate J. Scott McElroy gives acomprehensive vision and manual for unleashing creativity in yourcongregation.


CLUB PRICE: $14.00



1-800-843-9487

N E W A L T E R N A T E S

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HAGGAI, ZECHARIAH & MALACHIApollos Old Testament Commentary Series

Anthony R. Petterson

This detailed commentary on these three prophetic books setsthem in their wider biblical-theological context, showing the con-nections between the post-exilic world and our own.

448 PAGES, HARDCOVER, 2524, $45.00


‘RETURN TO ME’New Studies in Biblical Theology

Mark J. Boda

Mark Boda offers a comprehensive overview of the theologicalwitness of Scripture to the theme of repentance, a return to inti-mate fellowship with the triune God, our Creator and Redeemer.


CLUB PRICE: $15.40

IGNITE YOUR GENEROSITYChris McDaniel

What does the Bible say about stewardship and giving? Thistwenty-one day devotional will help you see your resources oftime, talents and treasures in a fresh, God-honoring way, ignitingyour desire to live generously and providing practical guidance todo so.



A SECOND SHOT OF COFFEE WITH JESUSDavid Wilkie

Thousands of people start their day with a shot of Coffee with Jesus ,the critically acclaimed online comic strip. Find yourself in yourfavorite characters and laugh with Jesus at the absurdities of ourworld and the ways we walk in it with this venti-sized second col-lection, brought to you by Radio Free Babylon and InterVarsityPress.






CLASSIC BESTSELLERS

These essential titles have built a solid foundationfor faith and Christian living for generations.

ESCAPE FROMREASON

Francis A. Schaeffer

Foreword by

J. P. Moreland

Truth is no longer basedon reason. Yet despiteour obsession with theemotive and the experi-ential, we still face anxi-ety and purposelessness.Tracing trends in twen-tieth century thought,Francis Schaeffer showsthat Christianity offersmeaning where thereis purposelessness andhope where there isdespair.

125 PAGES,PAPERBACK, 3405,$8.00

CLUB PRICE: $5.60

KNOW WHYYOU BELIEVE

Paul E. Little

Do science and Scriptureconflict? Are miraclespossible? Why does Godallow suffering and evil?

In this classic answer-book on Christian faith,Paul E. Little responds tothe twelve most commonintellectual challengesposed to Christians.Including a study guide,this revised and updatededition provides twenty-first-century informationfor those who are willingto search for truth.



THE CROSSOF CHRIST

John R. W. Stott

Why should the cross— an object of Romandistaste and Jewishdisgust—be the emblem

of our worship and theaxiom of our faith? Andwhat does it mean for ustoday? In this thought-ful, comprehensive studyof Scripture, traditionand the modern world, John R. W. Stott bringsyou face to face with thecentrality of the cross inGod’s plan of redemp-tion.

380 PAGES,HARDCOVER, 3320,$27.00


WHO YOU AREWHEN NO ONE’SLOOKING

Willow Creek

Resources

Bill Hybels

This classic work haspointed the way togodly character for morethan twenty years. Nowcompletely revised andupdated featuring a newintroduction, a newconcluding chapter anda discussion guide forgroups, read this book

to discover who God iscalling you to be in theworld around you.





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PRACTICING SABBATH

“Return to your rest, my soul,

for the L ORD has been good to you.”

—Psalm 116:7

SABBATH: THE GIFTOF REST

LifeGuide® Bible Studies

Lynne M. Baab

What is the sabbath? A weeklyday of rest and worship. A dayto practice thankfulness. Aday to slow down, take a deepbreath, step aside from workand worries, and let the worldgo on without us, knowing thatGod is caring for everyone andeverything. The eight studies in

this guide will help you to learnmore about what sabbath is andhow to practice it. Come anddiscover God’s gift of rest.



SABBATH KEEPING

Lynne M. Baab

Let’s face it: our times of restneed work. When we fail to rest

we do more than burn ourselvesout. We misunderstand theGod who calls us to rest—whocreated us to be people of rest.With collected insights fromsabbath keepers of all ages andbackgrounds, Lynne M. Baaboffers a practical and hopefulguidebook that encourages all ofus to slow down and enjoy our

relationship with the God of theuniverse.


CLUB PRICE: $11.20

RESTING PLACE

Jane Rubietta

Do you need a personal retreat? Isyour frantic, rushing pace making

you anxious and taking its tollon you and the ones you love?With thought-provoking quotes,Scripture, questions, prayer sug-gestions, journaling helps andother creative experiences, JaneRubietta leads you to and throughtimes of rest with Jesus that willequip you for everyday living.Come to the Shepherd, and find

the true rest your soul is long-ing for.


CLUB PRICE: $11.20



ORTHODOXY AND THE EAST

Get a fresh perspective on Orthodoxtradition, history and practice today.


LIGHT FROM THECHRISTIAN EAST

James R. Payton Jr.

“Do they really pray to icons?”

“Why do they use incense?”“What do they believe?” With asympathetic eye and even hand, James Payton ushers readersinto the world of OrthodoxChristianity—its history, theol-ogy and religious practices. Indoing so, he clears away theconfusion and misunderstand-ings that often prevent non-

Orthodox Christians from fullyappreciating the riches of thisancient tradition.



INTRODUCING EASTERNORTHODOX THEOLOGY

Andrew Louth

With an estimated 250 million

adherents, the OrthodoxChurch is the second largestChristian body in the world.This absorbing account of theessential elements of EasternOrthodox thought deals withthe Trinity, Christ, sin, humanityand creation as well as praying,icons, the sacraments and liturgy.



EARLY CHRISTIANMISSION

Eckhard J. Schnabel

In this monumental two-volume

study, Eckhard J. Schnabel givesus both a unified and detailedpicture of the rise and growth ofearly Christian mission. He beginswith a search for a missionaryimpulse in the Old Testamentand Second Temple Judaism andweighs the evidence for a missionof Jesus to Gentiles. But his focusis the apostolic missionary activity

in Acts, Paul’s letters and the restof the New Testament.

xliv + 1,928 PAGES,HARDCOVER, 2790,$100.00

CLUB PRICE: $70.00



111-800-843-9487

APOLOGETICS

These go-to works are perfect when youneed to answer questions about faith.

THINKING ABOUTCHRISTIANAPOLOGETICS

James Beilby

Most introductions toapologetics begin withthe “how to” of defend-ing the faith, divingright into the majorapologetic arguments.For those who want amore foundational lookat this contested theo-logical discipline, thisbook examines Christianapologetics in its nature,history, approaches,objections and practice.



HANDBOOKOF CHRISTIANAPOLOGETICS

Peter Kreeft &

Ronald K. Tacelli

Reasonable, concise, wittyand wise, this informativeand valuable guidebookis for anyone looking foranswers to questions offaith and reason. Topicsinclude the existence ofGod, creation and evolu-tion, providence and freewill, miracles, the prob-lem of evil, the divinityof Christ, the resurrec-tion, heaven and hell, andobjective truth.



POCKETHANDBOOKOF CHRISTIANAPOLOGETICS

Peter Kreeft and

Ronald K. Tacelli

Peter Kreeft andRonald K. Tacelli presenta condensed version oftheir popular Handbook ofChristian Apologetics , sum-marizing the foremostarguments for majorChristian teachings andoffering compellingresponses to the most

common argumentsput forward againstChristianity.



GRAND CENTRALQUESTION

Abdu H. Murray

All religions and world-views seek to answer thefundamental questionsof human existence. Butthe main worldviews eachtend to stress a differ-ent issue. Abdu Murray,a lawyer and formerMuslim, digs deeplyinto secular humanism,pantheism and theism(specifically in the formof Islam), comparingeach to the central mes-sage of Jesus.





A N C I E N T C H R I S T I A N T E X T S

N E X T M O N T H

John Goldingay f lips New Testament favoritism on its

head, and spiritual director Susan S. Phillips walks us

BUILD YOUR ACT LIBRARY WITH 40% OFF ANY OR ALL TITLES

U S E C O D E 1 1 6 0 W H E N O R D E R I N G O N L I N E .

Series Editors Thomas C. Oden and Gerald L. Bray

OLD TESTAMENT

COMMENTARIES ON GENESIS 1–3By Severian of Gaba la and Bede the VenerableEdited by Michael GlerupTranslated by Robert C. Hill and Carmen S.

Hardin162 pages, hardcover, 2907, $60.00CLUB PRICE: $36.00

HOMILIES ON NUMBERS

By OrigenTranslated by Thomas P. ScheckEdited by Christopher A. Hall196 pages, hardcover, 2905, $60.00CLUB PRICE: $36.00

COMMENTARY ON ISAIAH

By Eusebius of CaesareaTranslated by Jonathan J. ArmstrongEdited by Joel C. Elowsky

xxxiv + 332 pages, hardcover, 2913,$60.00CLUB PRICE: $36.00

COMMENTARY ON JEREMIAH

By JeromeTranslated by Michael GravesEdited by Christopher A. Hall232 pages, hardcover, 2910, $60.00CLUB PRICE: $36.00

NEW TESTAMENT

INCOMPLETE COMMENTARY ONMATTHEW (OPUS IMPERFECTUM),

VOLUME 1

Translated by James A. KellermanEdited by Thomas C. Oden

xxvi + 213 pages, hardcover, 2901,$60.00

CLUB PRICE: $36.00INCOMPLETE COMMENTARY ONMATTHEW (OPUS IMPERFECTUM),VOLUME 2

Translated by James A. KellermanEdited by Thomas C. Odenxxvi + 228 pages, hardcover, 2902,$60.00CLUB PRICE: $36.00

COMMENTARY ON JOHN, VOLUME 1

By Cyril of AlexandriaTranslated by David R. MaxwellEdited by Joel C. Elowsky

xxxii + 375 pages, hardcover,2911

,$60.00CLUB PRICE: $36.00

COMMENTARY ON JOHN, VOLUME 2

By Cyril of AlexandriaTranslated by David R. MaxwellEdited by Joel C. Elowskyxxxii + 394 pages, hardcover, 2912,$60.00CLUB PRICE: $36.00

COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OFJOHN

By Theodore of Mopsuestia

Translated by Marco Conti

Edited by Joel C. Elowskyxxx + 172 pages, hardcover, 2906,$60.00CLUB PRICE: $36.00

COMMENTARIES ON ROMANS AND

1–2 CORINTHIANS

By AmbrosiasterEdited and translated by Gera ld L. Bray300 pages, hardcover, 2903, $60.00CLUB PRICE: $36.00

COMMENTARIES ON GALATIANS—PHILEMON

By AmbrosiasterEdited and translated by Gera ld L. Bray xxii + 166 pages, hardcover, 2904,$60.00CLUB PRICE: $36.00

GREEK COMMENTARIES ON

REVELATION

By Oecumenius and Andrew of CaesareaTranslated by William C . WeinrichEdited by Thomas C. Oden212 pages, hardcover, 2908, $60.00CLUB PRICE: $36.00

LATIN COMMENTARIES ONREVELATION

By Victorinus of Petovium, Apringius of Beja,Caesarius of Ar les and Bede the VenerableEdited and translated by William C. Weinrich

l + 201 pages, hardcover, 2909,$60.00

CLUB PRICE: $36.00

ivp book club digest - july 6, 2015

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