Customer Reviews (3)

A Good Try But Unconvincing
Cynthia M. Campbell, President of McCormick Theological Seminary, raises the issue of how Christians can live in a religiously pluralistic society while at the same time maintain the distinctives of Christian confession and witness.Her approach is refreshingly free of a more familiar tendency among "liberal" theologians to fall into a mushy syncretism or simply capitulate to a prevalent secularism.Campbell seeks to remain within the ballpark of scriptural authority, in contrast to such writers as, say, Phillip Gulley and John Mulholland in their odd book "If Grace is True."Campbell even appeals to the doctrine of the Trinity to support her argument.

What is her argument?Actually it is a rather simple premise and follows a clear logic.God has created all mankind in the Image of God, and therefore must love all equally.This requires that, in view of the diversity of religious traditions, we see God at work in all religions and go beyond "tolerance" to appreciation and "respect."This mindset will enable all peoples to work together for "peace and justice" in society.

The key to understanding Dr. Campbell is her appeal to the Trinity.Her interpretation of the Trinity is theologically orthodox--God is One, but Three within that one-ness.Despite her obvious discomfort with male pronouns for God, she manages to retain references to God as "Father" and "Son," while offering up the cute construct "Godself" as an avoidance of an apparently discomforting "Him."Nevertheless, her application of the Trinitarian reality of God to understanding the reality of the world and the human condition is a theme that begs for further exploration in a separate work.Indeed, I have found in my own individual meditations that the concept of the Trinity is deeply coherent with our normal experiences and consciousness as creatures bearing the "imago dei."In short, a traditional believer reflecting upon this historic doctrine in relation to normal experience will find that it makes increasing sense.

Campbell offers a new interpretation of the Tower of Babel story.In her account, God drives the people in separate directions not as a punishment for their alleged hubris in building the tower but as a divine kick in the butt for humanity to get about realizing the actual divine intention--to become diverse.While attempting to ground this interpretation in the text itself, it overlooks the text's own clear message that God is taking the action as a guard against human utopianism.Campbell weakens her case regarding diversity by resorting to such a stretched interpretation of this particular story.

In Campbell's scheme of things, God's overall covenant with all of humanity is paramount.All more specific covenants, such as the divine covenant with Israel, must be understood in this larger context.God loves all, and intends his creation to be diverse in nature and human life.This principle, if embraced, will save Christianity (and presumably any other faith tradition) from an unhealthy "exclusivism" claiming to possess the one and only spiritual truth.Whereas it remains true that Jesus Christ is "Lord and Savior" to Christians, and the foundation of salvation, it is also perhaps true that "salvation" is not a big issue for other traditions, equally defined by God's intention of "diversity" in the human family.Appealing to the paradox of the Trinity's "unity in diversity," Campbell states her belief that "affirming the truth of one tradition does not automatically require believing that all other religious ideas and traditions are false."This point, of course, has been made previously by C.S. Lewis, so there is really nothing new in saying this.Where she would differ from Lewis's position is in Lewis's insistence that the Christian must assert the correctness of Christianity in the points of difference.Campbell would counsel to just leave matters alone, and realize that all such differences are part of God's design of diversity for human life, society, culture, ideas, and spiritual beliefs.

What of salvation?Campbell seems to say that this is an issue about which we all need to relax.She correctly affirms that all salvation is from God and accomplished by "Godself's" initiative.God will save all that God (He) will.What this means for evangelism, in a Christian perspective, is to define evangelism pretty much as the pursuit of "social justice" and "peace," -- the establishment of health clinics, agricultural technology, roads and other infrastructure, etc. -- rather than proclamation of distinctively Christian spiritual themes.

There is much to appreciate in Campbell's presentation.Her emphasis on God's sovereignty is strongly affirmed, and her emphasis on salvation as being grounded in God's grace is historically rooted.Although it is a matter of disagreement among Christians, I embrace her position that God's covenant with Israel remains in place, in contrast to "supercessionist" notions of divine promises to Israel having been transferred to the church.Her affirmation of the universal relatedness of humans as creatures of the Creator is well placed, especially in an age of racist multiculturalist superstitions.Her attempt to locate her arguments within the authority of scripture should appeal to all Christians who embrace the principle of scriptural authority.

Having said that, there are some questions that can be raised.Reading the book, I couldn't help but wonder whether Campbell is really concerned to enlighten us about God's will and intention or use theology for a sociological purpose (i.e. making diversity theory more attractive).That is to say, is the Trinity an actual affirmation she would make and vigorously uphold, apart from its usefulness for promoting her positions regarding religious diversity?Granted, this sounds a bit paranoid, but it is a skepticism grounded in a number of conversations I've had with "ecumenical" clergy over the years who seem to "believe" or reject whatever they will, according to whichever agenda might be served.

One might detect as well a kind of sleight-of-hand in her argument, a smuggling in of humanity's universal and given status as "children of God."But isn't this precisely the issue in Christian belief, that people become children of God through spiritual renewal in Christ?Does this premise play any role in God's plan of diversity?That is, if it is a principle revealed within the specific spirituality of Christian faith, is it at work in other traditions as well, even if we assume that we are not necessarily talking about Christian conversion?Campbell does not say.But, by leaving this issue alone, Campbell would seem to be importing, obliquely, the doctrine of universalism.If all humans are by nature and creation "beloved children of God," then why would "salvation" be any kind of issue at all?This is not a problem unique to a Christian believer, but would have to be asked by anyone, for the diverse traditions do, in fact, maintain some form of salvation doctrine.

Ironically, there is a kind of Christian triumphalism implied in her approach, even while trying to avoid it.For example, she writes: "The theological principles we have discussed here have three practical implications for evangelization.First, we should make clear in our interaction with those from other traditions that we Christians assume that those with whom we speak are already beloved children of God."Immediately we see, here, an insult to Muslim belief, according to which it is abhorrent to say the God has "a Son" or any other relationship to humanity that would assert that Allah has "children."One wonders, as well, what such a premise would mean to a Hindu regarding "untouchables" as existing on the outer boundaries of humanity.It is unlikely that this nice-sounding principle can really be the starting point of dialogue.

Campbell also makes an unsupported claim that "within all of the great religious traditions, including those implicated in the conflict in the Middle East, there is a strong tradition that renounces violence toward others and contends that peace is the way of God," which enables all to "make common cause for peace and justice."Anyone who might take the time to read the Qur'an and consider Islamic hermeneutical principles, or study the power of Jihad theory in Islamic jurisprudence, will discover the problematics of this claim.One also ponders the "justice" theme in Hinduism's recognition of "untouchables."

Campbell rightly calls attention to biblical stories that show people from outside of the covenant community playing a role in salvation history (Hagar, Ruth, Cyrus, etc.).It is odd, then, that in her desire to avoid what she calls Christian "exclusivism," Campbell overlooks one of the most intriguing New Testament texts
suggesting the salvation of people from outside the covenant (in this case Christian) community.That text is the famous "least of these" story set forth in Matthew 25.People who, from their own words, seem not to have a clue as to who Jesus is or how it is that they have served him, are invited into the Kingdom.They are saved, yet they clearly do not understand anything about what they have done to receive this salvation.I would think she could have made much of this, in her concern for "exclusiveness," yet strangely overlooks it.

Finally, what one misses in Campbell's argument is any real consideration of the concept of the "Fall."Although she observes that God's larger goal is the reconciliation of all things in the created order (Romans 8), this theme is explored apart from any clear consideration of the question as to why it needs reconciliation in the first place.Here she is quick to depart from, or ignore, an important biblical theme, which is the theme of "the curse" and the creation's fundamental alienation from the purposes and character of the Creator.Again, there is a principle being smuggled in underneath the clear peaks of her intellectual landscape, the premise that the world is more-or-less what God intended while needing, nevertheless, a bit of adjustment.One might detect the presence of evolutionistic, "process theology" here, a posture that certainly carries with it its is own problematic baggage.

It's a good try by the author, but ultimately unconvincing as a result of its own internal contradictions. It would be nice to see this argument printed in tandem with a contrasting point of view, with dialogue between the two, after the manner taken up regarding New Testament themes by Marcus Borg and N.T. Wright (The Meaning of Jesus).

True Ecumenism!
Cynthia Campbell's "A Multitude of Blessings" is an excellent book, a must read for anyone interested in what has become of Christian ecumenism over the years. The book is well organized, perceptively written, and will present new "talking points" for anyone who is interested in furthering the activities that might be entitled "true ecumenism." For a minister and the President of a prestigious seminary, I was especially delighted with what I would call the "philosophical" development of her reflections. The book is both easy to read and hard to put down. If you need to jump start your ecumenical reflections, this book is a good place to start; if you are an experienced ecumenist, you will find a new enthusiasm for your work.

from Westminster John Knox Press
What is a Christian to make of religious diversity? How does one affirm faith in Jesus Christ and seek to live according to the teachings of Christian faith and at the same time live with neighbors who are not Christian? This book is written for Christians who are concerned to make sense of this challenge of living with religious diversity. For the most part, the author does not write about other religious traditions, the ways they approach reality and understand God, or the moral claims they make; this is not a book about "comparative religions." What the author does is present one way that Christians can think about this topic from the standpoint of her faith tradition.

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This volume contains papers presented at five "Restoration Heritage Day" meetings held in Barrie, Everton, Omagh and Toronto between 1986 and 1990. Also included are papers from 16 scholars representing all three branches of the Campbell-Stone movement. Topics covered include: the Scottish Baptist influence in Ontario, Campbell's contributions to Ontario, significant leaders, congregational histories, church life, and developments within each wing of the movement. ... Read more

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This volume is produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's preservation reformatting program. The Library seeks to preserve the intellectual content of items in a manner that facilitates and promotes a variety of uses. The digital reformatting process results in an electronic version of the text that can both be accessed online and used to create new print copies. This book and thousands of others can be found in the digital collections of the University of Michigan Library. The University Library also understands and values the utility of print, and makes reprints available through its Scholarly Publishing Office. ... Read more

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This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishings Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the worlds literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

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Composed in 1809 in order to organize and direct a loosely assembled network of Scots-Irish Presbyterians on the Western Pennsylvania frontier, the "Declaration and Address" of the Christian Association of Washington never quite achieved the immediate objectives that compelled its composition. Yet the document's lofty vision of a unified Christian Church, restored to the peace and purity that the New Testament had preached and promised, has for generations fueled the imagination and fired the commitment of millions of Christians worldwide--with, often, quite contradictory results. Emerging from the work of an international online seminar, this truly monumental volume presents a definitive text with critical apparatus for a landmark document in the history of American religion and worldwide Christian ecumenism, along with eighteen insightful, incisive studies of the document's historical provenance, its theological and ecclesiological significance, and its continuing influence. ... Read more

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Incredibly Educational
The Quest for Christian Unity, Peace, and Purity in Thomas Campbell's Declaration provides a complete and concise look at Thomas Campbell's viewpoints on and commitment to Christian Unity. ... Read more

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The Way of Jesus is written for those on a journey—from spiritual sojourners to religious refugees. With a focus on our yearning for the Spirit and spirituality, this book opens pathways for experiencing the powerful simplicity in the life and Way of Jesus. All journeys are spiritual by nature, even if we can’t always see the full picture of where God is leading us or why He is leading us there. In their own twenty-year journey, Jonathan and Jennifer Campbell have joined with others to rediscover and embody the life of Jesus. They share a way of living out our spirituality from the core of our being to the very connections that define our humanity. The Way of Jesus weaves their poignant story with a thoughtful exploration of the intersection of culture, community, and spiritual identity. Their adventure is a journey with Jesus toward freedom and a life filled with his love, truth, and power.

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Customer Reviews (6)

The Way of Jesus - my thoughts
The Way of Jesus is a mind stretcher for people who are burned out on the demands of church life and ministry by a couple who has been in both situations.While it's not a slam at the church, it definitely speaks of the undue burdens that churches sometimes place on people.Campbell(s) speaks of a simplified plan to simply follow Jesus, and help those around you - family and friends - do the same.Great.Simple.Freeing.But what I wish they had spent some time talking about was...what do we do with the church as we know it?Is it to be chucked completely?Nothing much is said about this and I think it leaves the book too much in the theory department, not the practical department, which is where I'm at.I agree with much of what is said, but need tools to make it practical in my life.

Hope for the wanderer
Jonathan Campbell has found a way to embrace and guide the spiritual wanderer. Though sometimes a bit "anti-institutional" in flavor, The Way of Jesus promotes so much purity and simplicity in my faith journey that I couldn't help be more passionately in love with Jesus when I was through reading. Well done, Jonathan.
E. SANDRAS author of "Buck Naked Faith" and "Plastic Jesus"

too much like a textbook
Jonathan and Jennifer have stumbled onto something vital, and have stated it with more precision than almost anyone else I've read--the church today is sick and needs to return to the only One who can heal it.

Turned off from the hierarchical and organizational aspects of Christianity, the authors have returned to a more organic and personal way of following Jesus. I agreed with their premises and conclusions, but was left still wondering what it would look like in reality to worship God the way they suggest.

Combined with the academic feel of the writing will make this book more appropriate for seminary classes than (what I assume is) the target audience of people discouraged by church as it is and wanting a more vibrant and personal relationship with God.

Don't "Do Church" Without Reading This One!
I just finished reading this book and it ranks high on my list as one of the best reads ever on the subject of what it means to be the church and Christ followers in a changing culture. Awesome! And I've read many books over the last few years on the topic of faith and the church in the midst of an emerging, postmoden cullture. I've also been an avid student for anything related to house/simple churches for a dozen years or so. The Campbells do a wonderful job resisting the temptation of arguing forms, and pay more attention to what it means to be a follower of Jesus in the present that opens the way to transformation and kingdom living.

Convergence at last!! Season of Great Awakenings and Freedom
I recently met Jonathan Campbell in South Africa. He opened up a whole new world to many of us. In his book he artistically stimulates the reader to think of what the Body of Christ wasactually meant to be, and what we have turned it into. He moves outside and beyond the man-made box of institusionalized Western religion and leads the reader towards an alternative reality and (Re)Discovery of life, family and true Christ- Centered (Re)Incarnational Spirituality. Jonathan and his Book Changed my Life. Thanks to him I am entering a Season of Great Awakening and Freedom - Convergence at last! Rev Kobus Kok, PhD Student, University of Pretoria, South Africa. ... Read more

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"Warmly, wisely, gently, Johnson leads readers through the basics of the Christian faith - information beneficial for both new and long-time believers. Neither a doctrinal primer nor an ethics text, A Seeker's Guide to Christian Faith is instead an introduction to habits and practices Christians have agreed upon for millennia, including prayer, scripture reading, meditation, outreach, and listening to God.This easily understood (no church jargon) booklet will guide you in self-examination, alert you to signs of God's presence in your life, and help you understand the language of faith. Along the way, Johnson uncovers ways of praying, of finding God in worship, scripture, and acts of charity. Through 31 brief ""Guidances,"" the author offers tools for spiritual growth that you can use at your own pace.Spiritual pilgrims, anyone who has ever wondered about the mysteries of life, searchers considering the Christian community for the first time - all will find understanding and help.
A free downloadable Leader's Guide offers pastors and other leaders suggestions for a six-week study using A Seeker's Guide to Christian Faith. Also available in a special church packet." ... Read more

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Back to basics
A wonderful experience of faith for people discovering or rediscovering its essentials. Will buy and share copies again, keeping one for myself. ... Read more

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Ecstatic prophecy is a form of prophecy in which the prophet is completely overtaken by the Holy Spirit--body, soul, and spirit--and prophesies almost as an oracle. In Ecstatic Prophecy, Stacey Campbell, a respected teacher and regular and high-profile recipient of this gift, explains the ins and outs of this remarkable mode of prophecy. She takes readers through biblical and early church examples of ecstatic prophecy and uncovers the history of its occurrence until modern times. She also examines how those with this gift can mature in it, avoid deception by testing spirits, and use this method of prophesying to grow closer to God and to reveal Jesus.This unique book will be compelling to anyone who follows prophetic literature and movements, as well as to those who may be experiencing ecstatic prophecy without understanding it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

more than pleased
This book will bring you into the realm of possibility. You can respond to the Holy Spirit too!

Student of the Prophetic
I have read many books from Graham Cooke to Bill hamon also the most honored Standford's for all they have given and continue to give to the prophetic also Mike Bickle. But here Stacy gives you a clear understanding of the prophetic. Also giving you the Freedom to understand that G*d is G*d and cant be Boxed in trying will only lead you to less of an encounter with Holy Spirit. Stacy Champells understanding and journey gives you the safe, trust feeling to let Holy Spirit be G*d in your life And that if He did it in the beginning He will do it again.
Stacy also takes out the miss trust we have had with Holy Spirit and the Gifts. With Her study, now we can trust the Gifts He has given in are lives and uses in us.

Ecstatic Prophecy
It is unfortunate that many Christians today do not believe in prophecy--God's disclosure of His commands and His promise through His people.While the book's primary focus is not on the theological debate of this issue, the book provides a sound biblical and historical argument concerning the role of prophecy in the end time.Its emphases on the necessity of prophets' personal spiritual growth and the foreseeable obstacles provide a great guideline for people who are called to be God's prophets.

Finally a Book Like This!!!
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2QI02WPDHLM52 Finally, an in-depth understanding of the true prophetic and the movement of the Holy Spirit within God's people.Stacey Campbell combines phenomenal theological backing with incredible testimony of an often controversial area of the workings of the Spirit of God.Ecstatic Prophetic takes God out of the box!

Different
I have enjoyed being in several meetings where Stacey ministered, so I was anxious to get her book.I have read a lot of books on Prophecy, but Stacey's was very unique in her approach and spoke to questions that no one had addressed in a book before.She also told about her struggles which I love people who get real about their experiences in ministry. If you think that you have read all there is to know about the prophetic, then expect to be surprised and learn more! ... Read more

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Deep within Syndicate World space, the Alliance fleet continues its dangerous journey home under the command of Captain John “Black Jack” Geary - revived after a century spent in suspended animation. Geary’s victories over the enemy have earned him both the respect — and the envy — of his fellow officers…
“Black Jack” Geary has made many risky decisions as commander, but ordering the Alliance fleet back to the Lakota Star System where it had nearly been destroyed by the Syndics has his officers questioning his sanity. It’s a desperate gamble that may buy Geary just enough time to prepare for the Syndics’ inevitable return — and give the fleet a fighting chance of survival.
But even as he struggles to stay one step ahead of the enemy, Geary must face conspirators within his own fleet — an unknown number of officers who want a change of command. And Geary knows that his fleet must stand together or the Syndic forces will tear them apart . . .

“Jack Campbell has written the most believable space battles I’ve ever seen anywhere.” — David Sherman, coauthor of the Starfist series
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When Barney the mouse's family takes in a family of flood victims, Barney resents having to play and share his toys with little Christopher. ... Read more

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A MUST HAVE FOR PRE SCHOOL CHILDREN
My five year old son begs for me to read this story to him every night. I would love to have more books like these for children. ... Read more

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A young girl tells God how her feelings were hurt by a friend. ... Read more

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The book offers advice for Christian families on dealing with such difficult issues of today as promiscuity, smoking, alcohol, and abuse through a shared and inspiring family-devotional time.:

€ 86% of the U.S. population consider themselves Christian
€ The Campbells are well known among Christian readers
€ Also includes special devotions for Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthdays, and other events and holidays ... Read more

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Do you have the nagging feeling that the parenting method you've been using just isn't working? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Will Transform the Way You Relate to your Child
This is the fourth book I've read by Dr.Campbell, and each ofhis books repeat the same concepts, but with variations in word-use, and differences in focus.Regardless, I like the fact that each book reinterates the same, doable, logical and recallable points that I was able to apply immediately. My goal is to be so familiar w/ Dr. C's techniques that it flows out of me naturally, that it becomes a part of me.

Since starting his books, including this one, I've been able to manage my anger during tense, frustrating moments, I've been able to identify my children's needs more objectively and act accordingly. I've searched for opportunities to give my children what they inherently need before they start "acting up."The peace and pattern of our home since then has been dramatic.

In a nutshell, this book discusses HOW to fill a child's emotional tank since the majority of bad behavior stems from an empty tank.That entails positive eye contact, physical touch and focused attention.Then he stresses that discipline is not punishment but training.And you can train by example, role modeling, verbal instruction, written requests, teaching, and during play.He discussed how adults are to respond to misbehavior.That is, by asking yourself what does my child need?Is his emotional tank low?Is he okay physically (not ill or tired)? Then you can decide if child is truly misbehaving, which he calls defiance. He defined true misbehavior as being out of control, being defiant and challenging parental authority, all of which isnot to be tolerated.Then he went on to explain the various ways of controlling behavior, the best and first method to attempt is to make a request (can you please clean that up?), then commands, then gental physical manipulation (leading toddler away from the fire), then punishment, and lastly behavioral modification.He urges parents to be proactive rather than reactive.To explain your reasonings to your children, as well as the sequence of your thought processes so they can relate to you better and learn as well.He also went into dealing with your child's anger, and to see it as an opportunity to train, and not to get reactively angry back at your child.

There's so much more in the book, but those were some of the points I've outlined in the back of the book for quick reference as a refresher.I wish that all would-be parents and already parents would read this book.When I look at my past mistakes that could have been avoided, and opportunities lost where I could have used as training moments, I wished that I had read the book before.

Awesome book.A must read, for the sake of your children.

dissapointed
As a Christian parent, I was dissapointed in this book. I believe Dr Campbell is correct with his concepts...but there were not nearly enough clear, practical examples for me. For instance, he mentions that "making requests" is a positive way to control a child's behavior but never gives one example for what a "request" would sound like. I also found this true as he discussed anger management.
I think he has a great concept but there just wasn't enough practical advise and examples for me. I also felt there was a depressing tone to the book as he discussed all of the societal influences at work against the family today.

Terrific reading for Christian parents.
In Relational Parenting, Dr. Ross Campbell teaches Christian parents how to build relationships with their children by anticipating the child's needs, rather than merely reacting to the child's behavior. Dr. Campbell asserts that the underpinning of a genuinely meaningful relationship with achild is unconditional love. Only this will nurture the child emotionallyand spiritually. It is also essential for the Christian parent tounderstand that discipline is not synonymous with punishment. A parent'sconsistent expression of love must adapt to the age and developingpersonality of the child, and consists of meeting their emotional andnurturance needs, giving them loving training and discipline, providingphysical and emotional protection, teaching and modeling anger management.Relational Parenting offers a common sense alternative to the traditionalbehavior modification approach of secular parenting. Relational Parentingis highly recommended reading for all who are anticipating or newlyexperiencing parenthood. ... Read more

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No-Brainer Bob is back, and he's pleased as punch to guide you through two new No-Brainer's Guides. No-Brainer's Guide to How Christians Live helps Christians understand how to live out their faith. No-Brainer's Guide to What Christians Believe is a useful introduction to Christian doctrine for newcomers to the faith. Both books feature cartoons by Jim Craig and the friendly, approachable style that the No-Brainer's Guides are known for. There's also a CD full of additional resources in the back of each volume. ... Read more

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Helps teenagers aged 14-18 discover in just 40 days who they are in Christ, just who Jesus really is and how they can live for Him effectively. This title enables them to master the basics of prayer, worship, spiritual warfare, guidance, and more. ... Read more