I want to begin my introductory editorial comments with the expression of much gratitude to all my predecessors, especially the most immediate, Rev. Dr. Jin Hee Han whose calm yet compelling call to me to …
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By Pablo R. Diaz
While the Bible is not exactly a book about leadership, the author contends that it can be a rich resource for pastors and others of what genuine leadership entails. He uses Moses, Gideon, and Mary as examples of people who became strong leaders despite their own insecurities and offers useful leadership concepts drawn from the bible.
By Kuo-Wei Peng
As a theological concept, the image and likeness of God has evoked numerous discussions since the Christian church was formed. The author here argues that the Pauline Epistles offer a definitive understanding of how Paul resolved this issue.
By Colum Hourihane
The role of Pontius Pilate in relation to the trial of Jesus and his Crucifixion is explored in this intriguing study of ancient texts and artwork. Does every action in the Bible need to be stated or can it be inferred as a logical outcome of the events described?
By Peter Carnley
The author takes strenuous issue with concept of God as having both masculine and feminine characteristics especially with the identification of transcendence as masculine and immanence as feminine. He offers intriguing arguments that may not resolve the issue for all but are sure to give pause to those on either side of this theological conundrum.
By Remington Slone
This lectionary guide covers Sundays from February 3 through April 28, 2013.
Collected by Darla Turlington
These quotations, on the general topic of In God’s Image, were selected from both Testaments of the Bible as well as a variety of authors, and speakers; they may be useful to pastors, theologians, seminary students, and others in their sermon preparation, research, writings, or reflections.
Reviewed by Keith Russell
The Practice of Prophetic Preaching: Preaching An Emancipating Word
by Walter Brueggemann (Fortress Press, 2012)
By Jin Hee Han
This issue brings proceedings of the Bible conference “In God’s Image” held at New York Theological Seminary on Monday, October 22, 2012. I am confident that this issue will capture the blessings poured out at the conference and transmit them to the wider community of The Living Pulpit.
By Susan Andrews
The Rev. Dr. Andrews identifies herself as an evangelical liberal called to proclaim the “good news” of the Gospel. Her proclamation is not about proselytizing but incarnation—the liberality of God’s love and power in all of life.
By E. Elizabeth Johnson
The Scriptural focus here is on the different endings of Mark’s Gospel that have been hotly debated since the Second Century CE or before. The author offers a convincing argument that the implications of which ending is used is significant for preachers and scholars.
By Joseph V. Crockett
The author contends that the report of the demise of the Mainline Church is premature and inaccurate. To the contrary, he sees growth in some sectors. His article also offers pastors and other church leaders strategies for growth.
By Kevin Yoho
With the current news of the mainline churches facing crises of diminishing membership, the author offers many fresh ideas for changing the focus and looking at church in a whole new way as well as offering concrete suggestions on how to become more relevant and effective, to help stem the exodus.
Title: Fish on Fire
Artist: Piety Choi
Size: 40"x40"
Mixed Media on Wooden Panel
This painting is based on the story at the end of the gospel of John in which the risen Christ came to his disciples on the morning of his resurrection and broiled the fish for them. To the wooden panel I attached the actual pieces of burnt burlap fabric and used acryl paint to reproduce a scene of broiling. While the Johannine passage is commonly understood as the risen Christ telling the world that he has risen and has returned to provide hope as well as hope-filled nourishment, I remember that fire also has the cleansing power of the fire of the Holy Spirit. According to other gospel traditions, Peter had denied Jesus three times. Jesus’ feeding of his disciples with the fish by the sea of Tiberias, however, has no trace of condemnation. In this scene, Jesus said to Peter, “Do you love me?” Jesus then asked Peter to tend his sheep. Divine justice might call to mind fire as punishment, but I cherish the power of the Lord’s fire that cleanses our soul from the stains of sin. There I see the path to renewal and new life.
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