Product Description

Following Jesus is hard to do – but even harder if we take ourselves too seriously. The Unofficial United Methodist Handbook is the indispensable companion for anyone trying to live a committed Christian life, with a healthy dose of humor. Timeless biblical truths stand alongside everyday life situations that everyone meets, with step-by-step instructions that make the going easy:

• How to Stay Alert in Church
• How to Identify an Angel (with diagram)
• How to Survive for One Hour in an Un-Air-Conditioned Church
• How to Share Your Faith with Someone
• How to Identify and Avoid Evil
• How to Survive an Old Testament Plague
• How to Memorize a Bible Verse
• Common Christian Symbols and What They Mean
• What Is Unique about The United Methodist Church and Its History

…plus dozens of other illustrations, maps, diagrams, and essential tips!

Customer Reviews (2)

Ho-hum Humor to be left on the shelf
If you read the review of this book in the UM Reporter, you were mislead.Not worth the purchase price. A ho-hum view of United Methodist insiders.We are a lot funnier than this!

Do It Yourself Methodism
This is an excellent opportunity to learn the basics about the United Methodist Church.If you have ever felt that you would be embarrassed by participating in the church because you did not know its traditions, this book is for you. ... Read more

Product Description
"Faith cometh by hearing"--so said Saint Paul, and devoted Christians from Augustine to Luther down to the present have placed particular emphasis on spiritual arts of listening. In quiet retreats for prayer, in the noisy exercises of Protestant revivalism, in the mystical pursuit of the voices of angels, Christians have listened for a divine call. But what happened when the ear tuned to God's voice found itself under the inspection of Enlightenment critics? This book takes us into the ensuing debate about "hearing things"--an intense, entertaining, even spectacular exchange over the auditory immediacy of popular Christian piety.

The struggle was one of encyclopedic range, and Leigh Eric Schmidt conducts us through natural histories of the oracles, anatomies of the diseased ear, psychologies of the unsound mind, acoustic technologies (from speaking trumpets to talking machines), philosophical regimens for educating the senses, and rational recreations elaborated from natural magic, notably ventriloquism and speaking statues. Hearing Things enters this labyrinth--all the new disciplines and pleasures of the modern ear--to explore the fate of Christian listening during the Enlightenment and its aftermath.

In Schmidt's analysis the reimagining of hearing was instrumental in constituting religion itself as an object of study and suspicion. The mystic's ear was hardly lost, but it was now marked deeply with imposture and illusion. ... Read more

Product Description
This book has DirectLink Technology built into the formatting. This means that we have made it easy for you to navigate the various chapters of this book. Some other versions of this book may not have the DirectLink technology built into them. We can guarantee that if you buy this version of the book it will be formatted perfectly on your Kindle. ... Read more

Product Description
Founded by free people of color in Philadelphia in the aftermath of the American Revolution, the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church emerged in the nineteenth century as the preeminent black institution in the United States. In 1896, the church opened mission work in South Africa, absorbing an independent "Ethiopian" church founded by dissident African Christians a few years earlier. In the process, the church helped ignite one of the most influential popular movements in South African history.

Songs of Zion examines this remarkable historical convergence from both sides of the Atlantic. James Campbell charts the origins and evolution of black American independent churches, arguing that the very act of becoming Christian forced African Americans to reflect on their relationship to their ancestral continent. He then turns to South Africa, exploring the AME Church's entrance and evolution in a series of specific South African contexts. Throughout the book, Campbell focuses on the comparisons that Africans and African Americans themselves drew between their situations. Their transatlantic encounter, he argues, enabled both groups to understand and act upon their worlds in new ways. ... Read more

Product Description

An indispensable guide for all United Methodists-especially pastors, lay leaders, church council members, confirmation and new member candidates and their instructors, and seminarians-this book is presented in a practical, down-to-earth manner for easy use by both individuals and classes, clergy and lay. It highlights the functions and connectional relationships within the organization, beginning with the local church and continuing through connectional organs in districts, annual conferences and their agencies, jurisdictional conferences and their agencies, the General Conference, the general agencies of the Church, and the Judicial Council.

Bishop Tuell discusses the Church's unique polity and gives a frank assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. At the same time he paints the image of a worldwide connectional communion that is organized to spread the good news of Jesus Christ and to bear witness to its Wesleyan heritage.

Customer Reviews (2)

Ogden's Caught In a Time-warp!
As I recently turned to Schubert Ogden's "Is There Only One True Religion or Are There Many?" (1992 114-page hardback) I was trust back decades into the well-worn Process Theology. What an unpleasant stroll down memory lane. By the book's conclusion I am again wondering if systematic process theology is not really heretical. (Certainly, 19th century German liberal Systematic Process Theology remains untenable and useless.)

Inventing and describing three theological options (pluralism, inclusivism, and exclusivism) for refuting believers' religion as uniquely true, Ogden diligently (and unpersuasively) proposes a fourth original (but not novel) character. Insisting on religion's appropriateness and credibility for its witness and common experience, he oddly concludes a double standard for "monism's" inclusive exclusivity. Correctly, Ogden says that pluralism is not the consistent replacement for exclusivism.

Most perplexing is Ogden's lack of scriptural reference (from any of the world's "axial religions"). Has he once again forgotten that every religion, whether "true or not", is rooted in its holy writing? In deed, there is little sourcing of any kind through this book (keeping it from earning more stars).

To define a religion as "true or not" without intimate consideration of its holy writ is to miss the mark (harmetia) about its truth and value. But again, Systematic Theology is unconcerned about value, religious or otherwise. Ogden misses his target- those opposed to modern German liberal theology.

Of course, Ogden is speaking from the pre Sept. 11th world untrained in the psycho-political power of religion. Today's true religion is identifiable in the public actions of its believer. And believer praxis continues to define the only true (orthodox) religion.

Ogden's is a cogent and fascinating argument. It is recommended to those with an interest in German liberal theology of the past two centuries, old time Process Theology, and students of religious/theological history.

Ah, Process Theologians! Gotta love them! Not!
Ogden's contention is subtle and a bit obscure. First, he identifies the three soteriological approaches to other religions: exclusivism, inclusivism and pluralism. Second, he proceeds to critique each one in turn. Third, he proceeds to set forth a fourth view, which he does not care to name. More on that later.
Exclusivism's assertion that Christianity is the only true religion and that other faiths have absolutely no salvific value is beneath Ogden's contempt.He flatly and forcefully rejects it as incompatible with the biblical evidence for God's goodness and universal salvific will. He also charges it of not being conformed to experience and reason. He concludes that Exclusivism is not "credible to human existence" and an inappropiate representation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Ogden also rejects Inclusivism, both in its "pluralistic" (other religions are paths of salvation, even though they are superseded or fulfilled by the Gospel) and "monistic" (other religions are not salvific: their members can still be saved despite of their beliefs, not because of them) thanks to the mediation of Christ (of which they are not aware).
Ogden rejects both Exclusivism and Inclusivism because he cannot stomach the idea that only one religion is true and others automatically false. Does it mean that he accepts and embrace Pluralism, then? By no means. According to him, Pluralism is not the logical and unavoidable outcome of a consistent movement toward other religions, but rather an independent assertion that must stand or fall on its own.
After noting that despite of the similarieties between all religions we cannot conclude that indeed they are saying the same thing about Ultimate Reality (p.61, 64, 66), Ogden argues that Pluralism's claim that there are de facto other salvific religions is unwarranted. His thesis, which he advocates as a viable soteriological view in aternative to the other three, is that THERE COULD BE true religions out there, and that the Cross of Christ simply makes salvation manifest, NOT possible. What he calls "the Christ event" cannot be the cause of salvation because the love of God is.
What should we make of this little book, originally a lecture he delivered? Let us proceed in order. First of all,I was uncomfortable with talk about "true religion". This kind of talk marks a shift from the proper focus on a salvific event (e.g., the Gospel of Jesus Christ; the setting in motion of the Dhamma Wheeel by Buddha; the revelation of God to Moses in the Torah) to its embodiment in space and time. In other words, who cares to argue for the exclusive truthfulnnes of an ENTIRE body of beliefs, customs and practices called "religion"? It makes more sense to argue whether a salvific event is indeed exclusive of others or not. Also, I disagree with his all too quick dismissal of inclusivism and exclusivism and, worse yet, I lament his total disregard for the biblical witness in support of these views.
All in all, the book reads well, but because of its "polite condescendence" and lack of clarity in outlining the "fourth" soteriological view (by the way: I wonder how it has been received in the theological community) I do not recommend it to the general public.

... Read more

Product Description
Langford and Willimon urge readers to critically examine the current structure of the United Methodist Church and pursue radical changes.They assert that "local decision making and contribution must be enhanced; bureaucracy must be reduced; episcopal leadership must be re-established; our organizational form must be fitted to our missional function."Some may judge the authors' analysis as candid and their remedies promising; others may take exception to what they see as intemperate claims and calls for precipitous changes in UM polity.Readers are invited to enter into the conversation and make choices that can reform the United Methodist Church and shape its future. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Ideas the Methodist Church Needs
As a former Roman Catholic and then Southern Baptist and now United Methodist (for the last 20 years), I learned a lot about the organizational problems that we have as United Methodists by reading A New Connection.Isee now that there is hope for the Methodist Church to turn it's declinearound if we will heed the advice given in this book.I love the theologyand the people of the Methodist Church but the system is killing us.EveryUnited Methodist needs to read this book! ... Read more

Product Description
In Methodists and the Crucible of Race, 1930-1975, Peter C. Murray contributes to the history of American Christianity and the Civil Rights movement by examining a national institution-the Methodist Church (after 1968 the United Methodist Church)-and how it dealt with the racial conflict centered in the South. Murray begins his study by tracing American Methodism from its beginnings to the secession of many African Americans from the church and the establishment of separate northern and southern denominations in the nineteenth century. He then details the reconciliation and compromise of many of these segments in 1939 that led to the unification of the church. This compromise created the racially segregated church that Methodists struggled to eliminate over the next thirty years.

"This is a carefully researched, skillfully interpreted, and provocative study that focuses on an important subject. Murray's volume is one of a small number of first-rate scholarly studies that are beginning to fill a gap in historians' knowledge about and understanding of the ways in which the United States' major religious institutions were affected by the Civil Rights Movement."-Alfred A. Moss Jr. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Essential history for Methodists
This excellent book is about the the long and difficult battle to do away with the Central Jurisdiction in order to integrate the Methodist Church, at least at the regional and national levels. The Central Jurisdiction had been established in 1939 when northern and southern Methodism --split in 1844 over slavery-- were reunited. It was an organizational and structural device designed to keep the Methodist Church segregated, so that no white pastor would be under the authority of an African-American bishop and so that no white church would be assigned an African-American pastor. Once established, the Central Jurisdiction was almost impossible to do away with, even when the larger society was rapidly moving beyond Jim Crow.

The book is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the United Methodist Church and for those who are interested in the history of racial integration in the US.

Find a longer discussion of this book at http://untiedmeth.blogspot.com/2005_05_01_untiedmeth_archive.html#111695396969978434 ... Read more

Product Description

"What does it mean to be a United Methodist?" The answer to this question, says Kenneth H. Carter, Jr., is to live a particular way of life and follow a particular form of discipleship. The distinctive aspects of that way of discipleship are contained in what has recently come to be known as "the practices." Christian practices are things done together, over time, in response to God's grace. They constitute an extended argument against some harmful alternative in the culture; they address and define a fundamental human need; they come to focus in worship; and they add up to a way of life. Carter contends that there are 6 essential practices in the United Methodist tradition: (1) searching the scriptures, (2) generosity with the poor, (3) testimony, (4) singing, (5) Holy Communion, and (6) Christian conferencing.

Written primarily for those who lead in United Methodist congregations, this book will give the reader not only an understanding of what the central United Methodist practices are, but also how they can be taught. Being formed in and by these practices does not happen overnight; it happens across a lifetime of observing the practices in others and trying them out oneself. Neglecting the Christian practices--failing to attend to them--can mean a life devoid of much of the purpose and power that life in the Spirit can hold.

Product Description
Treasure in Clay Jars is a collection of personal experiences in faith. Sprung from the idea of one woman, this book developed into a collection of meaningful and authentic experiences. The stories are soul-baring, and have a distinct and personal focus. Many reflect moments of simple, beautiful clarity, while others describe an astounding grace born out of an otherwise shattering experience. What they have in common is the brief glimpse, through all-too-human eyes, of the transcendent. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Real people telling their tales of the transcendent
This is not a book written by a professional theologian. Instead it's a collection of real-life stories told by the people who lived these experiences, themselves, and told in their own words. Each story is a glimpse into the soul of another human being and each reminds us that there is a spark of the divine in all of us. God is present to us in the most unexpected and, often, simple but powerful ways.

"Pages of compassion fill this book"
William Faulkner noted that the only stories worth a writer's blood and sweat and tears were stories of the human heart in conflict with itself.TREAURES IN CLAY JARS is a rich example of worthy efforts ofwriters.Toread about everyday events and the presence of love and spiritual powerwithin them is a treasure beyond measure.Pastor Linda Hoopes' story ofcommunion touched me deeply.It's said that the prefix "com"once meant the exchange of burdens and her story of "communion"surely does just that.It shares burdens and brings to life the power ofconnections to heal our bodies and our spirit..Stories heal too andthat's what this book does:it heals.Buy it! Give it as a gift! Treasure it for yourself.As an author of both fiction and non-fictionincluding A BURDEN SHARD, I can share with you this view that TREASURES INCLAY JARS is a fine and worthy read! .

This book is a real Treasure to behold!
I was captivated the moment I read these words from the one whose idea itwas for this book. Rev. Andrea Leininger is a United Methodist Pastorserving in Brownstown, IN. Her words about how the book came about aremoving and haunting, "In the wee hours of the morning I awakened,remembering the story of a mother who lost her son and how she overcamedepression and loneliness, of a man convicted of fraud and... of a victimof incest who conquered despair and, through her profession, now encouragesothers to grow and live fulfilling lives.I recalled numerous occasionswhen ordinary people entrusted their extraordinary stories of hope andcourage, of strength and joy..." "Treasures in Clay Jars"are the stories of such people who shared their faith journey in hopes ofinstilling hope and courage in readers who too have had to endure similarexperiences. I found myself becoming misty-eyed from stories of sorrow aswell as stories of joy and humor. I myself am a contributor to thiscompilation of faith stories. My story "Corn Supper" is humorousbut also sobering. One writer shares her own poignant story of her personalstruggle with multiple sclerosis and her haunting experience when visitingLiberia a year after the gruesome massacre of over 800 refugees. As thewriter was, so too, will you be changed.This book is definitely atreasure not to be overlooked!

Looks as if "Chicken Soup" has worthy competition...
Faith stories by Hoosier United Methodists fills a needed void as it seeks to share personal faith stories in everyday words by ordinary persons living and working their faith everyday. It is an attractive book both inside and out. I first sought out the stories of the people I knew personally, then I went back and eagerly read them all.It's a "good read" and a fine gift idea. Looks as if "Chicken Soup" has worthy competition from grassroots Indiana United Methodists. Go for it! Doris Moreland Jones,Christian Counselor and author of "And Not One Bird Stopped Singing"

excellent compilation of life experiences...
Treasure in Clay Jars is an excellent compliation of life experiences that are varied and yet authentic. Each contributor is on a spiritual journey. I beleive this book captures the experiences of many people on similar spiritual journeys. I highly recommend it.

--Tom Osborn

retired football coach, University of Nebraska National Championship winner ... Read more

Product Description
This classic work, first published in America in 1908,serves as one of the best treatises on Ecumenical Methodistdoctrine. A source of clearly stated and vigorously argued theologicalthought, both of biblical and dogmatic theology, this volume will wellserve the studies of students and ministers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A valued text
Though the writings of Mr. Banks shows some signs of age, his words carry the weight of much thought.Anyone interested in deeper meanings to Methodist theology should consider this book, though perhaps it is best served in the hands of students and clergy. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an OCR edition without illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher's website (GeneralBooksClub.com). You can also preview excerpts of the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Original Published by: pr. at the Conference Office in 1804 in 56 pages; Subjects: Religion / Christianity / Methodist; ... Read more

Product Description
The Christian Recorder was first published in 1852 in Philadelphia. Although it was the official newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, it was much more than a religious weekly. In many ways, the Recorder became the voice of black America in the Reconstruction and the post-Reconstruction eras. From the pages of the Recorder, the positions of the AME Church and black leaders on civil rights, voting rights, politics, education, the African emigration movement, family, and women are analyzed in this unique work. ... Read more

Product Description
This work reviews significant Biblical texts and presents a traditional perspective on the meaning of Christian marriage and the celebrations of weddings in the church.The book provides a thought provoking examination and practical applications for premarital counseling and marriage enrichment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Author's comments
This book is an encyclopedia of 1,200 United Methodist Churches in Mississippi with brief historical sketches for almost all of the active congregations. Over 150 line drawings of church buildings from every regionof Mississippi add a special dimension to this book, written as a projectof Mississippi Methodists' 200th anniversary in 1999. The appendix listschurches by county and year of organization. ... Read more

Product Description
In Three Volumes. ... Read more

Product Description
Publisher: Alfred, N.Y. : Alfred UniversityPublication date: 1923Subjects: Methodist Church (U.S.)Notes: This is an OCR reprint. There may be numerous typos or missing text. There are no illustrations or indexes.When you buy the General Books edition of this book you get free trial access to Million-Books.com where you can select from more than a million books for free. You can also preview the book there. ... Read more

Product Description
In Three Volumes. ... Read more

Product Description