by Douglas S. Stivison

Many Christians believe that Ḥesed is the unconditional love of God despite whatever failings people may have. However, some believe that ḥesed may be part of a covenantal relationship where fulfilling binding pledges is necessary before a covenant is confirmed.

by Brad Embry

While notoriously difficult to translate, ḥesed is often defined as loving kindness or steadfast love; it is also rendered in terms of power and strength as an act of God to deliver the believer from an enemy. It is a word for all seasons for many reasons.

by Jo David

Written by a Rabbi for non-Jewish readers, this piece offers clear explanations of various Jewish religious rites and occasions that deal with the concept of Ḥesed; this is an excellent opportunity for Christian clergy to gain insight into the religion that Jesus followed.

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 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 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 Johannes Unsok Ro

The Bible offers a common thread related to caring for marginalized individuals in human society. However, there is another essential area of care in the Bible that goes beyond relationships among humans–Environmental Care. Through specific biblical quotes, the author builds a substantial case for the need to change our attitudes about our planet.

By Jo David

A first century C.E. rabbi reflects a deep skepticism about messianism, which serves as an illustration of how resurrection is still viewed within the Jewish world. To understand the historical and current view of resurrection in Judaism, a knowledge of how Jews process theology is essential.

By Donald W. Shriver Jr.

When our survivors read our disposition of our assets, will they recognize that we “have been with Jesus” (Acts 14:13)? Will they see that this Christian, in life and in death,underwent “pocket book conversion” in favor of the world’s poor?

By Walter J. Burghardt

Today, in our Jubilee year, we Christians have our own needs that call for various kinds ofliberation. I shall focus on one such need: justice. Specifically, justice for prisoners, for the men and women incarcerated for crimes. Three stages to my reflection: (1) the justice that is retributive, punitive, vengeful; (2) the justice that is restorative; (3) the justice that is capital punishment.

By Dr. James T. Clemons

Of all the strange and wondrous stories of the Bible, few are better known than that of Jonah. Even people who have never read the Bible, or attended Sunday school, or listened to sermons, have heard something of Jonah and the whale. But it is just this familiarity and this obsession with the whale that keep us from understanding and appreciating the more profound meanings of this portion of Scripture

By Dr. Doris Donnelly

Theological Reflection on Healing through Henri Nouwen’s book The Wounded Healer.