5945 research outputs found
Sort by
Destruction of the Canaanites: God, Genocide, and Biblical Interpretation
No full textHow can a good God command genocide?
In this short, accessible offering, Charlie Trimm provides the resources needed to make sense of one of the Bible’s most difficult ethical problems—the Israelite destruction of the Canaanites as told in the books of Deuteronomy, Joshua, and Judges.
Trimm begins with a survey of important background issues, including the nature of warfare in the ancient Near East, the concept of genocide (with perspectives gleaned from the field of genocide studies), and the history and identity of the Canaanite people. With this foundation in place, he then introduces four possible approaches to reconciling biblical violence: Reevaluating God—concluding that God is not good. Reevaluating the Old Testament—concluding that the Old Testament is not actually a faithful record of God’s actions. Reevaluating the interpretation of the Old Testament—concluding that the Old Testament does not in fact describe anything like genocide. Reevaluating the nature of violence in the Old Testament—concluding that the mass killing of the Canaanites in the Old Testament was permitted on that one occasion in history.
The depth of material provided in concise form makes Trimm’s book ideal as a supplementary textbook or as a primer for any Christian perturbed by the stories of the destruction of the Canaanites in the Old Testament.https://digitalcommons.biola.edu/faculty-books/1596/thumbnail.jp
Evil in the Modern World: International and Interdisciplinary Perspectives
No full textThis interesting volume focuses on a set of phenomena which increasingly alarm the political world and public opinion: from the more obvious ones like torture, disease, human trafficking, abuse, genocide, displacement, to more subtle forms found in sports, technology and law. It looks at how and why these phenomena are universally condemned, and could be considered to threaten the very foundations of modern democracy; yet continue to be tolerated. The volume therefore goes beyond what Hannah Arendt has called the banality of evil and discusses the presence of condemned and heinous practices in society as fluid and chaotic but as non-trivial; capable of great transmutations through various epochs. Practices and actions considered as evil manifest in situations where individuals or groups hold power or seize power, and the contributions in this volume explore the close relation between power and evil. The volume draws upon sociology, psychology, cultural studies, political science, as well as philosophy, theology, anthropology, and neurology of the individual and of the group to provide a comprehensive understanding of the multiple facets of evil in the contemporary world.https://digitalcommons.biola.edu/faculty-books/1599/thumbnail.jp
Research: How Bias Against Women Persists in Female-Dominated Workplaces
No full textNew research examines gender bias within four industries with more female than male workers — law, higher education, faith-based nonprofits, and health care. Having balanced or even greater numbers of women in an organization is not, by itself, changing women’s experiences of bias. Bias is built into the system and continues to operate even when more women than men are present. Leaders can use these findings to create gender-equitable practices and environments which reduce bias. First, replace competition with cooperation. Second, measure success by goals, not by time spent in the office or online. Third, implement equitable reward structures, and provide remote and flexible work with autonomy. Finally, increase transparency in decision making
Rural-to-urban migrants: Possibilities for new churches in China’s cities
No full textOver the last 30 years, the world has watched as China has developed into an urban nation. Early scholarship on the missiological importance of urban centers framed cities as “the new frontier.” Over time, missiological inquiry continued ranging from new strategies for urban work to developing a theology of urban missions. The continued growth of cities around the world has kept the increasingly diverse environments of the city at the fore of missiological conversations. China’s aggressive urbanization development has meant large populations of rural-to-urban migrants have flooded into the cities in this period. There lacks, however, a robust discussion about the need for more rural-to-urban migrant churches in China. In this article I explore the possibilities for migrant churches in cities. To understand China’s urban context, I begin with a brief overview of rapid urbanization development. I then discuss the growth of the Christian population in China’s cities which is due, in part, to rural-to-urban migration. Following, I discuss some barriers of belonging that many rural-to-urban migrants experience, including barriers in urban churches. I end the article by suggesting possibilities of an establishment of migrant churches in China’s urban center
Lessons in Global Health Leadership: Learning to lead with humility and honor
No full textDoctor Walker and her husband, Joseph, have over 14 years of experience working in various global health roles. They have navigated the strengths, weaknesses, and tensions between faith-based organizations, mission trips, research, and government entities all working within the international community context. This book provides lessons learned from the field. Readers will walk through a journey of self-reflection, analyze world views, grow in cultural competence, understand what true partnership is, and gain practical skills for the field. How do you come alongside international partners and truly make a difference? What tools can help you identify unbiased community needs and the steps to help meet them? How do you balance international relationships and data collection? When do you know collaborative programs are successful? Is team culture or team structure more important? What are your strengths and how do you use those to lead others? What subconscious biases or perspectives do you carry into your global health work? How can you continually grow as a leader? How can you work in the field of global health and walk out your faith? Where is the line between church mission trips and global health research? Have you ever asked any of the questions above? This book addresses all of those topics and more. It was designed to provoke thoughts, ideas, and reflections for growth, particularly in leadership positions and international settings. Each chapter has clear learning objectives, along with stories from the field, and chapter reflection questions to promote personal growth. The progression of the book starts with personal reflection activities, then moves into honor and cultural competence, and ends with preparation and practical tools for global health work.https://digitalcommons.biola.edu/faculty-books/1657/thumbnail.jp
The role of associational life in the development of social capital: Theoretical considerations for Christian NGOs engaged in development initiatives
No full textRelying on social science and missiological research, the purpose of this article is to discuss theoretical considerations of associational life as a strategy of Christian NGOs involved in development initiatives in majority-world countries. Research has revealed the unintended consequences of NGOs as well as the complexity of local community dynamics where NGOs work. It is also well known that religion plays an important role in the functioning of society. Therefore, while Christian NGOs working in majority-world countries are not immune from the same challenges as secular NGOs, by recognizing and understanding the value of religion, Christian NGOs may be better equipped than their secular counterparts to incorporate this aspect of social life into their development activities
Reflections on Church-Based English Ministry
Full text linkThis article provides a reflection on lessons learned in directing a church-based ESL program in the United States. The author reflects on stories of God’s provision, the importance of preparing and teaching well, the deeply relational aspects of this ministry, the integration of the Body of Christ, and the importance of encouraging and supporting volunteers in these programs. Special consideration is given to the scope and purpose of church-based English programs and the ways that TESOL professionals can support volunteer teachers in this work
Blessed Are the Chosen: An Interactive Bible Study
No full textBlessed Are the Chosen is an eight-lesson interactive Bible study for individuals or small groups based on season 2 of the groundbreaking television show, The Chosen. This study brings both the Old and New Testaments to life in an approachable and conversational way. This study guide works in tandem with each episode of the show and includes: A deeper look at God’s character, power, and promises using the framework of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount Script excerpts, quotes, and illustrations from each episode Scripture to provide lesson context Pictures and bios of characters for increased connection Conversational features to invite Bible knowledge Guiding questions for group or individual discussion or reflection
Once we belong to Him, we’re not only given a new identity; we’re ushered into a new reality—one that is sure, powerful, and life changing. And so— We have hope no matter our circumstances. We have assurances and resources, even in life’s trials. We are blessed in all things because we are chosen by Him.https://digitalcommons.biola.edu/faculty-books/1604/thumbnail.jp
New and Old Horizons in the Orality Movement: Expanding the Firm Foundations
No full textOrality formed us. Orality forms us. Orality will forever form us. Orality is a central theme of our lives. In this fast-paced world, few Christian workers take the time to look back to learn and build on the lessons of the past. Wise Christian workers, however, do not forge ahead into new horizons without first investigating past horizons. They understand in this complex world there are too many strong shoulders of the past to be overlooked. The dozen practiced researchers contributing to New and Old Horizons in the Orality Movement offer such inquirers wisdom from the past that can boldly and boundlessly improve the future of the modern-day orality movement.
Tom Steffen is professor emeritus of intercultural studies at the Cook School of Intercultural Studies, Biola University.https://digitalcommons.biola.edu/faculty-books/1620/thumbnail.jp
Religion, Violence, and Apocalypse in H. G. Wells
No full textH.G. Wells\u27s interest in cataclysmic violence that could save humanity from its biological heritage and propel it toward acceptance of the World State is a puzzling feature of his thought. This essay argues that Wells\u27s view of human nature and his belief that apocalyptic violence might be necessary to help humans transcend their nature reflects a synthesis between his Christian background and his commitment to science. Wells\u27s broader project throughout his career was to develop a scientific eschatology that could answer the questions raised by the Bible through appeal to the evidence furnished by science. His views on violence should be situated within the context of this larger apocalyptic vision of history. In light of this, Wells\u27s ideas bear comparison to those of René Girard, another thinker who brought Darwinian reflections on human extinction into dialogue with Christian views of the end times. This essay brings the ideas of Wells and Girard into conversation in order to reflect on the nature of science fiction as a genre that is especially well situated to address questions about the relationships among religion, violence, and technology. It argues that near the end of his life, Wells came to reject the idea that sacrificial violence might pave the way for human transformation after undergoing what René Girard has called a novelistic conversion