What does the Bible actually say about many of today's most contentious moral issues? "For drawing attention to the relevant scriptures and for guidance in recognizing what are and aren't valid interpretations of them, Collins' pertinent brief is beyond praiseworthy."--Booklist (starred review) "Collins pours a lifetime of scholarship into this study of what the Bible says about controversial ethical topics. It's highly readable, and it's honest."--Jane McBride, Christian Century Many people today claim that their positions on various issues are grounded in biblical values, and they use scriptural passages to support their claims. But the Bible was written over the course of several hundred years and contains contradictory positions on many issues. The Bible seldom provides simple answers; it more often shows the complexity of moral problems. Can we really speak of "biblical values"? In this eye-opening book, one of the world's leading biblical scholars argues that when we read the Bible with care, we are often surprised by what we find. Examining what the Bible actually says on a number of key themes, John Collins covers a vast array of topics, including the right to life, gender, the role of women, the environment, slavery and liberation, violence and zeal, and social justice. With clarity and authority, he invites us to dramatically reimagine the basis for biblical ethics in the world today.

Donna Habenicht A child development specialist provides more than 1,000 strategies for teaching kids respect, responsibility, self-control, honesty, compassion, thankfulness, perseverance, humility, loyalty, and faith in God.

Values are culturally specific. This handbook explains select biblical social values in their Mediterranean cultural contexts. Some examples of values are altruism, freedom, family-centeredness, obedience, parenting, and power. Though the English words for the values described here would be familiar to readers (e.g., altruism) the meanings of such words differ between cultures. In the Mediterranean world, for instance, altruism is a duty incumbent upon anyone who has surplus. It is interpersonal and group specific. In the West, especially in the United States, altruism is impersonal and universally oriented generosity that operates in a highly organized context. This handbook not only presents the Mediterranean meanings of these value words but also contrasts those meanings with Western ones.

Retells, in illustrations and simple text, the biblical story of Genesis, from the creation of light through the explusion from Eden.

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The Bible says a lot of things, but it is not a speaking agent, and it is a collection of texts written over the course of more than a thousand years, which are neither systematic nor consistent. Is it possible to generalize about biblical values in a way that has overarching validity. -> The Bible is a written text, not a speaking agent. It cannot be interpreted like a movie script. It must be subject to a process of interpretation, in which our own presuppositions inevitably play a role. #2 The Bible is a collection of texts written over the course of more than a thousand years, which are neither systematic nor consistent. We must interpret them in a way that is consistent with our own presuppositions. #3 The Bible is a collection of texts written over the course of more than a thousand years, which are neither systematic nor consistent. We must interpret them in a way that is consistent with our own presuppositions. #4 The Bible is a collection of texts written over the course of more than a thousand years, which are neither systematic nor consistent. We must interpret them in a way that is consistent with our own presuppositions.

Kingdom Values over Virtue Signaling Every Day Cultural instability. Family breakdown. Social media ranting. Unchecked narcissism. The only way to fight against this toxic atmosphere of our world today is through character. By living out kingdom values rather than merely virtue signaling (trying to appear like we care about all the right things), we can rise up and model what the world needs to see. But kingdom values aren't just something we embrace to improve the world around us. They come with a benefit--a bonus. They come with blessings. By aligning your thoughts, words, and actions with God's values, you will receive the peace, comfort, and purpose you've been looking for all along. Dr. Evans provides insights based on biblical virtues found in the Beatitudes as well as throughout the rest of Christ's teachings. When you live life God's way, demonstrating His values to those around you, you will usher in authentic change not only in others but in the culture as well. Kingdom values are contagious. Pass them on.