The long battle between exclusionary and inclusive versions of the American story Was America founded as a Christian nation or a secular democracy? Neither, argues Philip Gorski in American Covenant. What the founders envisioned was a prophetic republic that would weave together the ethical vision of the Hebrew prophets and the Western political heritage of civic republicanism. In this eye-opening book, Gorski shows why this civil religious tradition is now in peril—and with it the American experiment. American Covenant traces the history of prophetic republicanism from the Puritan era to today, providing insightful portraits of figures ranging from John Winthrop and W.E.B. Du Bois to Jerry Falwell, Ronald Reagan, and Barack Obama. Featuring a new preface by the author, this incisive book demonstrates how half a century of culture war has drowned out the quieter voices of the vital center, and demonstrates that if we are to rebuild that center, we must recover the civil religious tradition on which the republic was founded.

The Pentateuch--Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy--are the vital first books in the Bible. understanding the scope, meaning, and events of these five books is integral to understanding the whole of Scripture that follows. Old Testament expert Herbert Wolf provides layreaders and scholars alike with a strong undergirding of understanding and knowledge in this introduction that reveals both the seriousness and excitement of the Pentateuch. Readers will find Adam, Abraham, Joseph, Moses and Joshua in these pages, as well as terrible sin and glorious forgiveness, bloody sacrifices and battles, deadly betrayal and life-giving hope. Wolf first addresses the overarching themes that flow through the Pentateuch, with special attention given to Moses as author of the five books. He then addresses each book specifically, covering topics such as purpose and scope, and literary structure. He tailors additional study to each specific book. This book contributes significantly to a clear, deep understanding of the Bible's first five books.

Here, a team of award-winning teaching scholars has come together to create an introductory text that offers a truly unique and innovative contribution to the discipline of theological studies. This "first book" provides students of any religious tradition with the foundational skills, vocabulary, conceptual understanding, and research abilities that they need to succeed in theology and religious studies. Theological Foundationsprovides the following: Ten chapters that introduce the major sub-disciplines of theology creating a well-rounded source for understanding the discipline as a whole Contributions that are clear, accessible, and steeped in content A strong basis for vigorous intellectual and personal exploration of life and our relation to God Flexibility that allows the instructor to assign readings in any order that fits his or her syllabus A one-of-a-kind, integrated library research component, "From the Reference Librarian," which teaches students the foundational skills needed for successful study in theology and in any academic discipline