A wide-ranging argument by a renowned anthropologist that the capacity to believe is what makes us human Why are so many humans religious? Why do we daydream, imagine, and hope? Philosophers, theologians, social scientists, and historians have offered explanations for centuries, but their accounts often ignore or even avoid human evolution. Evolutionary scientists answer with proposals for why ritual, religion, and faith make sense as adaptations to past challenges or as by-products of our hyper-complex cognitive capacities. But what if the focus on religion is too narrow? Renowned anthropologist Agustín Fuentes argues that the capacity to be religious is actually a small part of a larger and deeper human capacity to believe. Why believe in religion, economies, love? A fascinating intervention into some of the most common misconceptions about human nature, this book employs evolutionary, neurobiological, and anthropological evidence to argue that belief—the ability to commit passionately and wholeheartedly to an idea—is central to the human way of being in the world.

Reflecting on the practice of disciple making in young adult, college, graduate, and local church contexts, Jonathan Dodson has discerned some common pitfalls. For many, discipleship is reduced to a form of religious performance before God. For others, it devolves into spiritual license and a loose adherence to spiritual facts. Both approaches distort biblical motivations for Christian obedience and are in need of reform. By explaining various motivations for discipleship, Dodson charts a biblically faithful, grace-driven alternative. Additionally, he provides a practical model for creating gospel-centered discipleship groups—small, reproducible, missional, gender-specific groups of believers that fight for faith together. This book blends both theology and practice to inspire and equip Christians to effectively fight sin, keep Jesus central, and make gospel-centered discipleship a way of life. Both new and growing Christians will learn to trust the gospel in community as they fight together for holiness as well as how to start gospel-centered community groups in any local church.

Philosophically Thinking about World Religions is different from other works in the discipline today. It deviates from the typical approaches used for the study of world religions. Its goal is to engage readers in thinking hard about world religions, not about the data surrounding those traditions. By focusing on philosophical questions, each reader should be challenged to do their own investigations that may reveal the heart of these traditions. Another stance that this project takes that distinguishes it from other texts in the discipline is that it advocates an inclusivist perspective regarding the world religions. Pluralism, which is the predominate assumption today, ends either in contradiction or in the development of a metatheory that dismisses crucial distinctions between the various traditions or eliminates some ancient religions because they do not fit the metatheory. By taking an open inclusivist approach, all religious traditions may engage at the table of dialogue. The final essay is about justice and social affairs. While that discussion is couched within the context of a particular tradition, each religious tradition must have the discussion. But it must be more than an intrareligious dialogue; it must become an interreligious dialogue.

In a world where the Bible is often misunderstood, mistranslated, or misrepresented, this journal serves as an essential guide for anyone seeking to understand the complexities and truths of Scripture. BIBLE TRANSLATION JOURNAL: All Things Bible Translation delves into five crucial areas of biblical scholarship: translation, interpretation, archaeology, the history of the Bible, and addressing Bible difficulties. Each section offers valuable insights that help readers appreciate the accuracy and reliability of God's Word. Whether you are a scholar, pastor, or dedicated Bible student, this journal equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to engage with the Scriptures thoughtfully and faithfully. Discover the importance of preserving the original meaning of the biblical text, explore the historical context through archaeology, and confront challenging questions with confidence. With a commitment to the integrity of Scripture, Edward D. Andrews invites readers on a journey that deepens faith and sharpens understanding.

In today's shifting spiritual landscape, the authority and relevance of the Bible have come under intense scrutiny. YOUR GUIDE FOR DEFENDING THE BIBLE: Self-Education of the Bible Made Easy emerges as an indispensable resource tailored for both seasoned believers and those grappling with the big questions about the Bible's integrity, authenticity, and practicality. Structured in eight comprehensive sections, this book equips you with the necessary tools to navigate the complex world of biblical interpretation, translation philosophies, textual criticism, and beyond. Section 1 lays the groundwork for understanding the conservative objective historical-grammatical method of biblical interpretation, offering a counter-view by exploring the liberal-moderate historical-critical approach. In Section 2, delve into the intricacies of Bible translation, exploring key terms and processes that have guided how the Holy Scriptures have been rendered in various languages over the centuries. Section 3 is a deep dive into the realm of textual criticism of both the Old and New Testaments, a vital field that has played an essential role in restoring and preserving the biblical text. Section 4 tackles Bible difficulties head-on. Gain keen insights into the various types of difficulties and how to effectively deal with them, strengthening your confidence in Scripture's reliability. Section 5 serves as a practical guide to unlocking the treasures of Scripture, helping you dig deeper into the text and apply its truths to your life. In Section 6, the focus shifts to Christian Apologetics. Learn how to be prepared to make a defense for your faith and how to reason from the Scriptures in a manner that is both reasonable and persuasive. Section 7 transitions into the art of Christian evangelism, presenting methods to effectively communicate the Gospel message and speak the Word of God with boldness. Finally, Section 8 takes you on an archaeological expedition, offering insights into how the physical remnants of ancient civilizations provide ancillary support for the biblical narrative. With its rigorous scholarship, practical applications, and unwavering commitment to a conservative viewpoint, YOUR GUIDE FOR DEFENDING THE BIBLE serves as a go-to manual for anyone seeking a deeply informed and faith-affirming understanding of the Scriptures. Aided by a comprehensive bibliography, this guide is your one-stop-shop for biblical knowledge, designed to help you navigate and appreciate the complex yet awe-inspiring world of the Bible. Whether you're a pastor, student of theology, or layperson, this guide is designed to arm you with the knowledge, tactics, and confidence needed to defend the reliability and eternal relevance of the Bible.

The Bible describes the events that will occur before and after the destruction of Gog of Magog. Who is Gog of Magog mentioned in the book of Ezekiel? Why should we be interested in the prophecy recorded in Daniel chapter 11? Find out in a verse-by-verse explanation of Daniel Chapter 11, as you discover who the kings of the North and the South are from before Jesus' day throughout the last days. You will benefit from paying attention to Daniel’s prophecy about the battle between the two kings? Taken together, the Bible books of Daniel and Revelation not only identify eight kings but also show the sequence in which they would appear. We can explain those prophecies.