This book will start with the earliest Christian textual evidence, the letters of Saint Paul, as a foundation to reveal surprising details in the history of the early Church that have been hidden in plain sight for almost two thousand years: (1.) that Saint Peter and Saint Paul became enemies; (2.) that according to some early Christians, Jesus was both the Messiah and the Antichrist, but not God nor the Son of God; (3.) that James, the brother of Jesus, rejected the original teaching of Jesus in order to further his own claim to be the Messiah; (4.) that the apostle Paul actually failed more than he succeeded during his lifetime; (5.) that Christians were instrumental in the First Jewish Revolt; and (6.) that Jesus did claim to be both the Son of God and God. The evidence is laid out logically in a new way. But the evidence is not new; it is on your shelf right now.

Bringing the wisdom of generations of black Catholics into conversation with contemporary scholarly accounts of racism, Christ Divided diagnoses ""antiblackness supremacy"" as a corporate vice that inhabits the body of Christ. To truly understand racial inequality, theologians must acknowledge the existence of ""antiblackness supremacy"" and recognize its uniquely foundational role in prevailing processes of racialization and racial hierarchy. In addition to introducing a new framework of racial analysis, this book proposes a new approach to virtue ethics. Because the church‘s participation in and performance of white supremacy occurs as a result of corporate habituation, the church most needs new habits, not new teachings. The theory of corporate virtue outlined here provides a framework through which to evaluate these habits and propose new ones-to be made to "do the right thing."

The church of the Bible is presented as a pattern of human life in marked contrast both to the values of secular society and to the restrictive outlook that characterizes many religious groups. The church is to be the manifestation of the biblical instruction to love God and neighbor. Is Christ Divided? takes a penetrating look at the identity of the local church. Is it comprised of believers with a passion to worship the God of Truth and live by His purpose, following His Holy Spirit that lives inside? Or is the church a group of individuals segregated by culture, class, economics and education, following the traditions of men? Is Christ Divided? urges the original and philosophical concept of the church advocated by the Word of God. Each chapter reveals biblical support for cooperation amongst the brethren; the local church and the para church. Containing critical research of Scripture and analysis of church history, this book will provide proof that both populations have existed since the beginning without distinction. The intent is to bridge the gap between denominations, associations, local churches, para church organizations, missions and ministries.

Conflict is our friend. That's right! Conflict provides us with a unique opportunity to experience more deeply who Jesus is, and who we are in Him. While the world teaches us to avoid dealing with our conflict by fighting or fleeing, Jesus commands us to approach it . . . together . . . in Him. Unsure how? Then you will want to read this book. Identify the difference between the world pattern of dealing with conflict, and the way offered by Jesus Christ Learn to approach rather than avoid Recognize the difference between possessing the truth, and being possessed by the Truth Learn to seek the mind of Christ and His solutions together Transform your conflicts from Me versus You to Us in Him

A revealing look at the identity and mission of the Black church What is the true nature and mission of the church? Is its proper Christian purpose to save souls, or to transform the social order? This question is especially fraught when the church is one built by an enslaved people and formed, from its beginning, at the center of an oppressed community’s fight for personhood and freedom. Such is the central tension in the identity and mission of the Black church in the United States. For decades the Black church and Black theology have held each other at arm’s length. Black theology has emphasized the role of Christian faith in addressing racism and other forms of oppression, arguing that Jesus urged his disciples to seek the freedom of all peoples. Meanwhile, the Black church, even when focused on social concerns, has often emphasized personal piety rather than social protest. With the rising influence of white evangelicalism, biblical fundamentalism, and the prosperity gospel, the divide has become even more pronounced. In The Divided Mind of the Black Church, Raphael G. Warnock, Senior Pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, the spiritual home of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., traces the historical significance of the rise and development of Black theology as an important conversation partner for the Black church. Calling for honest dialogue between Black and womanist theologians and Black pastors, this fresh theological treatment demands a new look at the church’s essential mission.

What did the writer of Genesis mean by “the first day”? Is it a literal week or a series of time periods? If I believe that the earth is 4.5 billion years old, am I denying the authority of Scripture? In response to the continuing controversy over the interpretation of the creation narrative in Genesis, John Lennox proposes a succinct method of reading and interpreting the first chapters of Genesis without discounting either science or Scripture. With examples from history, a brief but thorough exploration of the major interpretations, and a look into the particular significance of the creation of human beings, Lennox suggests that Christians can heed modern scientific knowledge while staying faithful to the biblical narrative. He moves beyond a simple response to the controversy, insisting that Genesis teaches us far more about the God of Jesus Christ and about God’s intention for creation than it does about the age of the earth. With this book, Lennox offers a careful yet accessible introduction to a scientifically-savvy, theologically-astute, and Scripturally faithful interpretation of Genesis.