Instructors of philosophy, theology, church history, biblical studies, and ministry at Azusa Pacific University challenge the stereotype of conflict between liberal, faith-diluting colleges and the conservative, unthinking churches that support Christian colleges. Among their perspectives are an invitation to ethical thinking, the academic side of

This book shows that theology is both integrally related to formation in Jesus Christ and shapes our understanding of the world. Christian formation is incomplete and impossible without theological formation, because Christ transforms our hearts and minds, attuning them to the reality of God. As the authors explore the deep connections between theology and the life of the Christian, they emphasize Christian formation as a defining feature of the church, arguing that theology must be integrally connected to the church's traditions and practices.

Christian colleges have been set up by churches throughout American history. But all too often, the schools conflict with the groups that support them, typically over what is being taught in religion and philosophy classes. Christian College, Christian Calling seeks not to resolve this tension between congregation and academy but to explain why it exists and why it might even be fruitful. Instructors of philosophy, theology, church history, biblical studies, and ministry fro Azusa Pacific University explain the value of their disciplines in terms of Christian life rather than academic achievement. Attempting to get past the stereotypes of liberal, faith-diluting colleges and conservative, unthinking churches, Christian College, Christian Calling provides an invaluable resource for anyone concerned about the mission and relevance of Christian higher education. Book jacket.

Although there is nothing sweeter than the Gospel, there is more sweetness to be enjoyed after ones conversion to Christ. Many Christians fail to experience transformation in the discovery of Gods call on their lives in the areas of work, family, and service. Even the idea of calling has been relegated to full-time vocational service, leaving out the other 90% of Gods people. What if we could overcome the major obstacles to joyful fulfillment in our callings to Christ? What about the importance of being called to an ordinary place that counts for eternity? What if we begin to live out of the heart God gave us rather than the demands and expectations of others we had not considered are ruling us in negative ways? Dr. Bob Smart walks his readers through the practical steps to owning Gods calling of us in all areas of life, which promises to lead to freedom and meaningful living in this second season of spiritual formation. This is the second book of four seasons of spiritual formation.

Many people are confused about God's call on their lives. What does it mean to have a calling? Is everyone called to something? This book clears up the confusion and articulates a whole-life vision for calling. Our calling is not a mystery waiting to be discovered but applies to a range of experiences and challenges: we are called to faithfulness in Christ in every dimension of our lives. The authors defend a thoroughly biblical and theological understanding of calling, empowering Christians to live faithfully as God's people in whatever circumstances they find themselves.

A uniquely comprehensive discussion of vocation from infancy to old age Do infants have a vocation? Do Alzheimer's patients? In popular culture, vocation is often reduced to adult work or church ministry. Rarely do we consider childhood or old age as crucial times for commencing or culminating a life of faith in response to God's calling. This book addresses that gap by showing how vocation emerges and evolves over the course of an entire lifetime. The authors cover six of life's distinct seasons, weaving together personal narrative, developmental theory, case studies, and spiritual practices. Calling All Years Good grounds the discussion of vocation in concrete realities and builds a cohesive framework for understanding calling throughout all of life.

What am I going to do with my life? is a question that young people commonly face, while many not-so-young people continue to wonder about finding direction and purpose in their lives. Whether such purpose has to do with what job to take, whether to get married, or how to incorporate religious faith into the texture of their lives, Christians down the centuries have believed that God has plans for them. This unprecedented anthology gathers select passages on work and vocation from the greatest writers in Christian history. William Placher has written insightful introductions to accompany the selections — an introduction to each of the four main historical sections and a brief introduction to each reading. While the vocational questions faced by Christians have changed through the centuries, this book demonstrates how the distilled wisdom of these saints, preachers, theologians, and teachers remains relevant to Christians today. This rich resource is to be followed by a companion volume, edited by Mark R. Schwehn and Dorothy C. Bass, featuring texts drawn mainly from fiction, memoir, poetry, and other forms of literature. A study guide is available from Programs for the Theological Exploration of Vocation (PTEV) on their website: www.ptev.org