Married and family life around the world has undergone a revolution in the last several decades: the radical democratization of intimacy in spousal and parent-child relationships. Previous principles of hierarchy, inequality, and duty that defined the relationships between husband, wife, and children have been challenged and often replaced by more fluid bonds of equality, intimacy, emotional self-disclosure, communication, and mutual trust. The key question that has emerged for our times, then, is how exactly do families sustain genuine mutuality, democracy, and strong relationships? Figuring...

The underlying premise of this study is captured in the first verse of Psalm 24, which states that "the earth is the LORD's" and no one else's. This is a major theological tenet that undergirds the biblical tradition. Insights from contemporary science prompt us to look anew at our understanding of the natural balance within the universe and at humankind as a manifestation of life within that universe. Theology calls us to reexamine the role that worship plays in our acknowledgment of these realities. After a discussion of some scientific principles, the book examines several biblical themes...

The Preston families were among the early eighteenth century settlers of southwest Virginia. The descendants of the Irish immigrants, John and Eleanor Fairman Preston, are known as the Walnut Grove Prestons, having lived on a plantation of that name in 17

Theological reflection -- connecting real life, ministry, and religious traditions -- is a core component of most pastoral training. It is also a hallmark of practical theology and a common spiritual exercise among ordinary Christians trying to discern how their beliefs might influence daily living. Yet, our society is increasingly pluralistic, with growing numbers of people from varying belief systems -- from Islam to Buddhism -- as well as an increasing number of atheists. In this book, Edward Foley reimagines theological reflection in interfaith contexts and with those of no faith...

The 2000 presidential race resulted in the highest-profile ballot battle in over a century. But it is far from the only American election determined by a handful of votes and marred by claims of fraud. Since the founding of the nation, violence frequently erupted as the votes were being counted, and more than a few elections produced manifestly unfair results. Despite America's claim to be the world's greatest democracy, its adherence to the basic tenets of democratic elections-the ability to count ballots accurately and fairly even when the stakes are high-has always been shaky. A rigged...

If only we could do a better job of helping students at --connecting the dots, -- theological educators commonly lament. Integration, often proposed as a solution to the woes of professional education for ministry, would help students integrate knowledge, skills, spirituality, and integrity. When these remain disconnected, incompetence ensues, and the cost runs high for churches, denominations, and ministers themselves. However, we fail in thinking that integrating work is for students alone. It is a multifaceted, constructive process of learning that is contextual, reflective, and...