Discover how studying the Bible can renew your church community. How do we teach the Bible in a way that makes a real difference in our students’ lives and our communities? Too often, bibl
“This book presents us with a clear and captivating fusion of mainstream biblical scholarship and up-to-date pedagogy. The authors, each with solid experience as teachers in university and congregational settings, offer a handle on hearing and communicating the biblical message for all those who are beyond the proof-texting stage or would like to be. The book is a gift to the academy, the church, and the world.”
—M. Eugene Boring, professor emeritus of New Testament, Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University
“I highly recommend Story, Ritual, Prophecy, Wisdom by Mark Hamilton and Samjung Kang-Hamilton. Written in a clear and engaging style and drawing upon some of the best of classic and contemporary scholarship in religious education, it offers much practical wisdom for effective education in Christian faith for our time.”
—Thomas Groome, professor of Theology and Religious Education, Boston College
“This book asks us to think simultaneously about what the Bible is, how it shapes us, and how we might teach it in a way that is responsive to its own dynamics. By refusing to separate the subject matter and the mode of instruction, the authors invite us to imagine afresh how the Bible might inhabit our teaching in ways that lead to wisdom.”
—David I. Smith, professor of Education, Calvin University; director, Kuyers Institute for Christian Teaching and Learning; editor, International Journal of Christianity and Education
“Mark Hamilton and Samjung Kung-Hamilton masterfully survey the world of Scripture surfacing the formative work of narratives, the transcendent power of ritual, the imagination and hope of the prophetic voice, and the potency of the practice of wisdom. Ministers and teachers of the church will find this book a lively and insightful source for conversation and action. Today’s congregations need to retrieve the power of the Bible for sake of the church’s witness to the world and this book will fuel that indispensable work!”
—Carson E. Reed, dean of the Graduate School of Theology, Abilene Christian University
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Mark W. Hamilton is professor of biblical studies at Abilene Christian University. For ten years, he served as an elder of the University Church of Christ, and he preaches and teaches regularly in churches. His recent other books include A Theological Introduction to the Old Testament, A Kingdom for a Stage, and Jesus King of Strangers: What the Bible Really Says about Immigration.
Samjung Kang-Hamilton teaches religious education at Abilene Christian University. Her research and teaching focus on the partnership between families and churches. She also works with children and adults in spiritual formation, especially multicultural and cross-cultural formation. She currently serves as the book review editor for the journal Restoration Quarterly.
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Table of Contents
Preface
1. The Bible and Christian Formation in Contemporary Contexts
2. The Bible as Taught Text
3. The Biblical Story and the Power of Storytelling in Context
4. Biblical Ritual in Context
5. Prophecy and Prophetic Christian Formation
6. Wisdom and Its Cultivation
7. Challenges and Invitations
8. Conclusion
Further Reading
Appendix
Indexes
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