By: Mary Walker on January 12, 2017
I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; (John 17:15-17a) “This world is not my home I’m just a passing through; My treasures are…
By: Jennifer Dean-Hill on January 11, 2017
My 10th grade history teacher, Mr. Housewright’s, words ring in my ears when reading Imagined Communities. When he asked what is capitalism based on that has built our American nation, we would stare blankly back at him. Then dramatically he would write one chalky, white word on the green chalkboard: GREED. This has always been…
By: Jim Sabella on January 11, 2017
Summary In Anderson’s words, “The aim of this book is to offer some tentative suggestions for a more satisfactory interpretation of the ‘anomaly’ of nationalism.” (Anderson, 4) I admit I find his characterization of nationalism as an “anomaly” both intriguing and a bit counter-intuitive. I would suppose that nationalism is a natural outgrowth of being…
By: Lynda Gittens on January 11, 2017
Author Anderson, Imagined Communities …. After reading Anderson’s book addressing “nationalism”, my mind thought of many clichés. I am a Houstonian by birth living in the largest state in the United States of America, Texas. At least we were until Alaska, but who is considering Alaska. We even have the slogan, “everything is big in…
By: Aaron Cole on January 11, 2017
Summary: The Social Animal by David Brooks is a fascinating book that connects many dots from scientific theory and philosophy to the real world. It is, as the subtitle suggests, a book that gives “the hidden sources of love, character and achievement.” The book takes the reader on a fictitious journey of two people, Harold…
By: Katy Drage Lines on January 11, 2017
Why is it helpful for us to understand the origin and spread of nationalism, I wondered. In Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism, Benedict Anderson does an excellent job of presenting his theory on the rise of nationalism, and his pivotal work is essential for any discussion of nationalism. While we…
By: Geoff Lee on January 11, 2017
As Anderson puts it, a nation “is imagined because the members of even the smallest nation will never know most of their fellow-members, meet them, or even hear of them, yet in the minds of each lives the image of their communion”. (p. 6) I consider myself to be British and a part of this…
By: Rose Anding on January 10, 2017
Introduction Human beings can survive even in the toughest conditions regardless of their external environment. People realize their potential early to accomplish their long-term goals, but only successful people are able to go extra mile to fulfill their desires. Hence, success can be achieved by everyone with persistence. Unfortunately, few people make an effort to…
By: Richard Volzke on January 3, 2017
This year’s reading stretched and pushed me to think in different ways. The Matrix of Christian Ethics: Integrating Philosophy and Moral Theology in a Postmodern Context was greatly influential. Christian ethics and human ethics do not always agree. For example, in America the debate over the legalization of same sex marriage is about to be…
By: Kevin Norwood on December 1, 2016
What comes to mind when you say the word Pentecostal? Does it bring up images of lively worship with hands raised and the volume level reaching concert levels? Does the word cell group or community come to mind? Does supernatural signs such as healing or speaking in tongues? What is it about the word that…
By: Marc Andresen on December 1, 2016
“The major engine driving this transformation [of the demographics of Christendom] is Pentecostalism…The engine of Pentecostalism is its worship.” This is the bold claim of Drs. Donald Miller and Tetsunao Yamamori in their book, Global Pentecostalism: The new Face of Christian Social Engagement. [1] In a well documented and readable volume these two men present…
By: Jason Kennedy on December 1, 2016
The Pentecostal movement has been growing radically around the world, and many seemed surprise that this may be the new face of Christianity. For those of us who are in that tribe, it does not come as a shock. Donald Miller’s book, Global Pentecostalism: The New Face of Christian Social Engagement, highlights what many of…
By: Pablo Morales on December 1, 2016
Summary What happens when two Christian scholars decide to research growing churches in the developing world that are significantly engaged in social ministry? Answer: They discover that 85% of those churches are charismatic or progressive Pentecostals. What happens next? Answer: They write a book with their findings entitled Global Pentecostalism: The New Face of Christian…
By: Aaron Peterson on December 1, 2016
As we wrap up this Fall Term and frantically write our Academic Essays, Global Pentecostalism by Miller and Yamamori is a help to me in two ways and also brings up one question for consideration. The thesis of the study that Pentecostals are increasingly engaged in holistic community-based ministries inspires me! First, this study proves…
By: Phil Goldsberry on December 1, 2016
Introduction Pentecostals and charismatics are viewed as a unique breed of Christianity that can be either tolerated, dismissed or embraced by other Christians. Anyone from these two groups would trace their roots back a couple thousand years to Acts 2. A “purist” from a Pentecostal or Charismatic background, would see their mission and foundation equivalent…
By: Aaron Cole on December 1, 2016
Summary: Global Pentecostalism, The New Face of Christian Social Engagement by Donald E. Miller and Tetsunao Yamamori is a look at the Pentecostal movement in the 21st century. Miller and Yamamori take an in depth look at how the Pentecostal work has changed and developed since it’s modern day inception in 1901 in Topeka,…
By: Garfield Harvey on December 1, 2016
Within the Southern Hemisphere, researchers (including myself) are witnessing a rise of Pentecostalism, which leaves us to consider whether there’s a social impact that’s influencing this movement in our urban and social context. With more than 600 million people in membership, there’s no doubt the Pentecostal Movement is experiencing extraordinary growth in its worldwide impact.…
By: Rose Anding on November 28, 2016
Introduction Understanding the Pentecostals is what changes the lives of the Christian community. It makes them spiritually sound and they are able to live their faith as part of the spirit of love towards people and not their own love. If no one has had an opportunity to go to such a service he…
By: Claire Appiah on November 28, 2016
Donald E. Miller and Tetsunao Yamamori—Global Pentecostalism: The New Face of Christian Social Engagement Introduction In this work, Donald E Miller and Tetsunao Yamamori, sociology of religion scholars, discuss Pentecostalism’s beginnings and typologies to the impact of its current global reach in social ministry. This book is the product of the authors’ four-year research…
By: Chip Stapleton on November 17, 2016
The book, The Handbook of Leadership Theory and Practice, edited by Nohria and Khurana is an encyclopedic text that is dense and daunting. But for those that are willing and able to plumb the contents there is much of value for those of us that seek to be leaders in the church. Of particular interest to me…
