Now nearly 15 years old (during which time it exploded in size, then declined and has now plateaued), the Promise Keepers and its policies have invited reactions ranging from celebration to suspicion. Many see the Christian men's organization as a powerful tool to encourage and equip Christian men to face a morally complex future. Others view the group as sexist or even heretical. This book was the first, and in most ways still the only, objective analysis of the Promise Keepers and the many reactions to it. Contributors to this collection of critical essays hail from the fields of political science, history, sociology, religion and theology, journalism and mass communication, speech, English, women's studies, American studies, and sports science. The responses range from supportive to skeptical and cover topics that go beyond the Promise Keepers to issues of evangelical Christianity, gender roles, men's organizations, mass media, and social movements.

This informative book explores the ideological practices that construct the Promise Keepers movement, while investigating the fundamentals of the Promise Keepers' belief system. Based upon non-participant observations of events as well as in-depth interviews, The Promise Keepers: Politics and Promises studies the movement from the inside, providing a better understanding of this evangelical phenomenon. Examining the group from its modest beginning in 1990 of seventy men joining together in prayer, Bryan Brickner discusses the meaning of the movement in a social context. This book will be invaluable to scholars of religion, gender studies, and political theory.

In Their Darkest Hour, Where Would Hope Be Found? In one life-changing moment, the lives of the exiles in Babylon are thrown into despair when a decree from the king's palace calls for the annihilation of every Jewish man, woman, and child throughout the empire in less than one year. Ezra, a quiet but brilliant scholar, soon finds himself called upon to become the leader of his people. Forced to rally an army when all his training has been in the Torah, he struggles to bring hope in a time of utter despair, when dreams of the future--of family and love--seem impossible. In Keepers of the Covenant, acclaimed novelist Lynn Austin weaves together the struggles and stories of both Jews and Gentiles, creating a tapestry of faith and doubt, love and loss. Here, the Old Testament comes to life, demonstrating the everlasting hope displayed in God's unwavering love for His people. Praise of Lynn Austin's Restoration Chronicles "...a powerful new historical series that brings the Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah to life." --Library Journal "Austin shines a bright light on ancient Jewish life and lands. Biblical fiction fans will cheer her latest offering, which bolsters this challenging genre." --Publishers Weekly

This collection of essays explores the varied, sometimes contradictory, and often misapprehended nature of the Promise Keepers. The various media portrayals of this group do not adequately address important questions about their significance for American religious, social, and cultural life. Is this movement anti-feminist, or are the men involved using their faith to become more responsible husbands and fathers? Is this a political movement, or just another example of an American religious revival? Using interviews, surveys, and on-site participations, the scholars writing here find little truth in the popular depictions of Promise Keepers. In fact, they demonstrate how this group represents a variety of templates that contemporary American culture brings to religion as a general social phenomenon. The volume examines the ways religion affects social movements, and also puts the current interest in men and masculinity in a larger historical context of changing gender roles. As a phenomenon that strikes right at the intersection of religion, gender, racial relations, public life, and national identity, Promise Keepers will be provocative reading for students, scholars, and educated readers alike.

With hundreds of letters, diaries, field reports, and sermons at his disposal, James Rohrer examines the background and evangelistic style of the frontier missionaries to show that Congregational missionaries took the frontier seriously, adapting themselves to its requirements.

The Covenant Keeper is Jesus. A theme throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, the law of Redemption requires the Redeemer to sanctify, deliver, redeem, and restore us into full inheritance as his bride through blood covenant. The four cups of Passover and the following sacrifice of the cross echo this law; the resurrection and the Wedding Feast of the Lamb in Revelation complete the total fulfillment of this same law. All one covenant. All fulfilled in one man. Jesus Christ, The Covenant Keeper. What others are saying: Page after page will explode from the printed word to resonate the Truth and Love of the Father in your soul. Go beyond the veil and discover one of the most inspiring and insightful books about our God - The Covenant Keeper. - J. Gowen, Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, Corinth, MS David wrote in Psalm 25:14, "The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him; He will make them know His Covenant." Ruthie Young is one to whom much of this knowledge has obviously been imparted. M. Sarvis, Succat Hallel, Jerusalem