The Bible includes any number of “tyrannical texts†that have proved to be profoundly oppressive in the lives of many people. Among them are Pauline texts that have circumscribed the lives and ministries of women throughout Christian history. What are people who honor Scripture to do with such texts, and what does it mean to speak of biblical authority in their presence? In Encountering God in Tyrannical Texts, Frances Taylor Gench provides strategies for engaging such texts with integritythat is, without dismissing them, whitewashing them, or acquiescing to themand as potential sources of edification for the church. Gench also facilitates reflection on the nature and authority of Scripture. Encountering God in Tyrannical Texts provides access to feminist scholarship that can inform preaching and teaching of problematic Pauline texts and encourages public engagement with them.

The Bible includes any number of "tyrannical texts" that have proved to be profoundly oppressive in the lives of many people. Among them are Pauline texts that have circumscribed the lives and ministries of women throughout Christian history. What are people who honor Scripture to do with such texts, and what does it mean to speak of biblical authority in their presence? In Encountering God in Tyrannical Texts, Frances Taylor Gench provides strategies for engaging such texts with integrity- that is, without dismissing them, whitewashing them, or acquiescing to them-and as potential sources of edification for the church. Gench also facilitates reflection on the nature and authority of Scripture. Encountering God in Tyrannical Texts provides access to feminist scholarship that can inform preaching and teaching of problematic Pauline texts and encourages public engagement with them.

Hebrews and James contain useful advice for Christians struggling to live a life of faith. In this book, Frances Taylor Gench guides readers through these two relevant - and inspirational - epistles. For believers who have grown weary or disillusioned with their Christian commitment, the letter to the Hebrews offers much practical assistance. In this day of dwindling church attendance and clergy burnout, a new reading of Hebrews offers an encouraging and renewed understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ. The letter of James deals primarily with the social and practical aspects of Christianity, reminding the reader that Christian faith touches every aspect of life. One of the most useful books in the New Testament, its concerns are grounded in day-to-day questions: How do we live? How should we live? and What are the implications of Christian faith for our lives? This epistle will challenge and encourage modern readers in search of a life of integrity.

Grieving, Brooding, and Transforming explores troubling biblical and historical texts in regards to their portrayal of women and calls for readers to identify the Spirit’s work of grieving over brokenness, brooding over chaos, and transforming the creation.

Author Warren Carter addresses the ways in which New Testament writings present God by asking four questions about how God relates to others: How is God presented in relation to Israel? How is God presented in relation to Jesus and the Spirit? How is God presented in relation to believers/disciples/the church? How is God presented in relation to “the world”? Carter uses these questions to help draw out the most important factors in each of the New Testament writings discussed. "Rarely does one exclaim, “This is a real page-turner!” when describing a book on the New Testament—but I must say it. With his characteristic concision and clarity, not to mention wit and conversational style, Carter leads us on a tour of “God-at-Work” in fifteen closely-read texts. What claims do the various texts make about God? What questions or “red flags” do these texts raise? What effect do or should these texts have upon us as readers today? Carter intrepidly takes up some of the more challenging and cryptic NT texts and asks aloud many of the uncomfortable questions we’ve wondered about but might not have voiced so pointedly. He does not provide tidy answers, but his approach entices us not to give up, but rather to dive even deeper into the texts, their world, and ours. In reading this book, I was variously educated, entertained, challenged, and even moved." -Jaime Clark-Soles Professor of New Testament and Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas

In Living with the Sermon, readers will find a friendly companion to the preaching life. With humor, personal stories, theological musings, and practical "signposts" for those who live with the sermon, Robert Hoch-Yidokodiltona explores the highs and lows of the preaching life—you will learn not only techniques for preaching, but also how the life of the preacher is haunted by holy things. There is, according to Robert, a "wink and peek" to the preaching life, some playful mischief, some mystery—and yet, in a practical spirit, down-to-earth signposts to help along the way. Whether you have been in the pulpit for many years, or have just begun the journey, this work will add to your wisdom and joy in the preaching life.

Exploring six Gospel texts in which women encounter Jesus, Gench encourages readers to view these stories anew through the eyes of contemporary biblical scholarship.