Exposes how ex-gay and postabortion ministries operate on a shared system of thought and analyzes their social implications.A staple of the culture wars; the struggle between Christian conservatives and progressives over sexuality and reproductive rights continues. Focusing on ex-gay ministries geared to helping same-sex attracted people resist their sexuality and postabortion ministries dedicated to leading women who have had an abortion to repent that decision; Cynthia Burack argues that both are motivated and characterized by a strain of compassion that is particular to Christian conservatism rather than a bias and hatred toward sexual minorities and sexually active women. This compassion reproduces the sexual ideology of the Christian right and absolves Christian conservatives from responsibility for stigma and other forms of harm to postabortive and same-sex attracted people. Using the democratic theory of Hannah Arendt; the popular fiction of Ayn Rand; and the psychoanalytic thought of Melanie Klein; Burack studies the social and political effects of Christian conservative compassion.
#202068 in Books Crossway Books 2010-07-08Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .92 x 6.00l; 1.15 #File Name: 1433515814368 pagesChritian LifeA Quest for GodlinessJ. I. Packer
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Puritanism: Authentic ChristianityBy A. Sutono; a.k.a.; Birdey The ObserverThe author of the epistle to the Hebrews exhorts the readers in the last chapter to "remember" their leaders; "consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." There is a value; great value in learning biography of great servants of God in the past; the giants of Christianity; some of whom are the Puritans; whose theology and lifestyle are still relevant to this day; in our days when it is getting real difficult to define and find what and where true Christianity is. Professor Packer has done a superb work in expounding Puritan themes on doctrines; practical theology; which Perkins defines as "the science of living blessedly forever. Blessed life ariseth from the knowledge of God"; ministry and evangelism. In regard to doctrines; a particular emphasis was placed on John Owen whom I regard as one of; if not the best dead Christian apologists where his treatises on the doctrine of limited atonement; spiritual gifts; communion with God; the beauty of piety and holiness are treated exquisitely. Pastor Richard Baxter; though somewhat erroneous in doctrines; seems to be a role model of a compassionate; God-serving; people-loving; talk-the-walk; walk-the-talk-type of minister and evangelist where pastors have much to learn from in our days of quick decision; quick conversion; prosperity gospel; emphasis on fun; numbers; and programs in running the church; exhorting people to go to Afghanistan to preach the gospel while the pastor himself enjoys the glamour of rich congregation in Aspen.The beauty of Puritan principles in regard to family; keeping the Sabbath; marriage; and revival are covered impressively as well. The views on family and marriage are sober yet happy ones; for me personally; but I think are good for singles and married couples alike. If Puritan lifestyle were to be summarized in one statement; in my view; it is as follows: "a joyful compassionate; careful; thoughtful; serious; God-dependent commitment to live a life as pilgrims on earth journeying toward the blessed eternal residence of God in heaven; that expresses delight; reverence; worship of God; and display of the glory of God expressed in the gospel; particularly in the work of redemption carried out by the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross." I'm grateful to God to have the privilege to read some of their texts and biographies; some of which I thoroughly enjoy are those by Jonathan Edwards (Christian Pilgrims; Charity and its Fruits; The Excellency of Christ); John Owen (Overcoming Sin and Temptation; edited by Prof. Kelly Kapic and Justin Taylor); Thomas Watson (The Art of Divine Contentment; All Things for Good; A Treatise on the Beatitudes); Jeremiah Burrough (The Jewel of Christian Contentment); and look forward to read more. O how I long to fellowship with brothers and sisters in and be cared under a Puritan-like ministry; and if the Lord ever calls me to be a minister; or work in ministry; I desire to be like Owen when it comes to solidity and depth of understanding of biblical doctrines; and Baxter when it comes to counseling; ministering; loving and caring for people.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Modern classic on godly livingBy CustomerWonderfully insightful and pastoral book about the real; difficult; yet boundlessly fulfilling way of true Christian living that was somewhat epitomized by the Puritans. Motivational; disciplinary; comforting and educational all rolled into one; with Packer's eloquent and personal style. Great introductory book on all things Puritan; and a highly recommended read for any Christian who pines for solid spiritual growth!9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Challenging as always.By Jeffrey A. ThompsonThe book is a collection of essays on the Puritan's quest for godliness. He covers various aspect of Puritan life and ministry. Some of the essays appear in different collections. The book is challenging and informative as is typical of Packer's books. He quotes the Puritan writers extensively (e. g. Baxter); but he throws in other theologians such as Spurgeon and Augustine as well. The last chapters that focus on the last of the puritans; Jonathan Edwards; is extremely interesting. Packer brings in theology; history and exhortation into his writings. If you don't understand the strength of "Reformed Theology;" this book will definitely help.The book is very good; but for me it started out slow because I read some of the essays before. But the more I read; the more I realize what he is trying to do and I am deeply impressed. Packer is giving us a peek into the puritan world view so that we may purify our worship today.
