The cross has long been not only a scandal but also a profound paradox: filled with saving significance and power, it is at the same time a sobering tragedy. In Saved from Sacrifice theologian Mark Heim takes on this paradox, asserting that the cross must be understood against the whole history of human scapegoating violence. In order to highlight the dimensions of his argument, Heim carefully and critically draws on the groundbreaking work of French theorist and biblical scholar René Girard. Yet Heim goes beyond Girard to develop a comprehensive theology of the atonement and the cross through his fresh readings of well-known biblical passages and his exploration of the place of the victim.

A Study Guide and a Teacher’s Manual Gospel Principles was written both as a personal study guide and as a teacher’s manual. As you study it, seeking the Spirit of the Lord, you can grow in your understanding and testimony of God the Father, Jesus Christand His Atonement, and the Restoration of the gospel. You can find answers to life’s questions, gain an assurance of your purpose and self-worth, and face personal and family challenges with faith.

For more than a century Christian theologians have attempted to construct "theologies of religion" that would be recognized as authentically Christian and authentic in relation to the historical and social reality of many religions. This attempt usually ends in an impasse in which either only one religion is portrayed as holding the true path to salvation, or that many do. Neither the exclusivist nor the pluralist position is completely satisfactory in integrating the two goals of an authentically Christian and historically viable theology of religions. In calling this book Salvations author S. Mark Heim moves the theology of religions project beyond taking sides on exclusivist and pluralist views. The crux of his argument is this: that it makes more sense to speak of salvation in the plural, to maintain that the ends of various religions are indeed varied and significantly constituted by the paths taken to reach them. At the same time, all paths - Christianity included - can and must make or require exclusive commitments on the part of those that hold them. One of the most intriguing features of Salvations is its careful critique of the pluralist assumption of a single religious end to the many religions. Heim's careful analysis of the writings of John Hick, Wilfred Cantwell Smith, and Paul Knitter points out a central weakness in the pluralist argument: by insisting that different religions point to the same "ultimate", pluralism fails its own test of plurality. Heim points out that exclusivists should note that in hypothesizing the many ends of different religions, Salvations contradicts neither the finality of Christ, nor the authentic, independent validity of other religions.

John Bunyan was a leading Puritan preacher during the 17th century. Bunyan was also well known for being a prolific Christian author and The Pilgrim's Progress is regarded as one of the most famous books of Christian literature ever written. The Acceptable Sacrifice is a devotional in which Bunyan provides an exposition of Psalm 51:17 in order to show the Christian reader how a broken heart can be kept strong and why having one is so acceptable to God.

Jonathan Rowson's competitive success as a chess Grandmaster and work as an applied philosopher have given him a unique perspective on why the great game is more important than ever for understanding the conflicts and uncertainties of the modern world. In sixty-four witty and addictive vignettes, Rowson takes us on an exhilarating tour of the game of life, from the psychology of gang violence, to the aesthetics of cyborgs, the beauty of technical details, and the endgame of death. Chess emerges as a singularly powerful metaphor for the thrills and set-backs that invest our daily lives with meaning and complexity.

Of the seven statements Christ uttered from the cross, two stand out as being extremely significant in confirming what was being accomplished through the atoning sacrifice of Christ. The question, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” gives us a sense of what was in “the cup” of God’s wrathful judgment, which Jesus drank to its bitterest dregs on our behalf. The exclamation, “It is finished!” unquestionably assures us that the Savior’s atoning sacrifice accomplished what was necessary in satisfactorily paying the debt owed for our sin. Your gratitude and faith will be strengthened as you read this book. This book is unique in the following ways: 1. This book focuses on only two of the seven statements Christ made while on the cross, and they are brought together in testimony to the most profound truths concerning God’s plan of salvation. 2. This book includes alternative viewpoints (including historical perspectives) and challenges unbiblical perspectives in regard to these statements of Christ and their significance, including some church dogmas. 3. This book demonstrates that salvation is graciously offered by God based on an individual’s repentant faith. Jesus Christ purchased our redemption. All that is left is for us to repent of sin and receive the Savior. Would you like a “faith lift” today? Would you like your heart to grow in love and gratitude toward the Savior? If so, this book is for you.