Kirjahaku

Searching For Meaning introduces readers to the different methods used to interpret the New Testament. Top scholars give a short definition of a particular criticism and then Paula Gooder gives a practical example to demonstrate how that criticism can be applied to a biblical text. A very broad range of methods are introduced, from traditional criticisms such as source criticism and historical criticism tot he more modern methods such as feminist criticism and liberation criticism. Readers will understand how different meanings and emphases can be drawn out from a text depending upon the method of interpretation chosen. They will also be given the skills to start analysing and examining texts for themselves in a meaningful and insightful way.

This is a book to accompany the readings in year B of the Lectionary. It aims to help individuals and groups to understand and use Mark's Gospel. There are two other books that will follow this one: Journeying with Luke in Year C and Journeying with Matthew in Year A. This book's unique slant is that it asks readers to use their imagination 'to bring the Gospel to life'. It asks readers to visualize themselves in the scenes that Mark describes in order see Mark's Gospel in a fresh and exciting way. Journeying with Mark is a fantastic resource for anyone following lectionary year B.

For all who are curious about the dwelling place of God and the angels, this book explores the Bible's teaching on heaven and explains how it is nearer to earth than you might think. Paula Gooder considers the ways in which the Bible sees heaven and earth connecting, and explores all the major strands of belief about life after death, including the role of paradise, and what happens between death and resurrection. She shows how the biblical writers see heaven and earth as closely connected, so that what happens in heaven affects events on earth and vice versa.

The Body and the Spirit, though, roughly speaking, being in the same place they are almost always separated from each other in Christian thought. The body is painted as something bad, frail, coarsely corporeal and ruled by "the flesh" (which is always pronounced with parental disdain, as if it were a bad influence on an otherwise good child). Whereas the Spirit is pure, lofty, and Good, and that you can only really connect with God with what is inside. But is it fair to separate 'Spirituality' from the Body? Following up 'Heaven', her bestselling and highly praised look at how we see heaven and how the Bible depicts it, Paula Gooder explores key Biblical concepts of the Body before moving on to examine what Paul taught in the New Testament. That actually we need to take a different look at what is meant by the Body. With careful scholarship, thoughtful reflection on Biblical passages, and an stylistic approach like that of 'Heaven', which The Times Literary Supplement called "a fine example of careful biblical scholarship made accessible and exciting", Body isn't just a book for the brain. Neither is it a book to feed the Spirit. It's a book for the person. The whole person.

Heaven is one of those great mysteries that somehow symbolizes what we don't know about ourselves and the world around us. At the same time it lifts our vision from the mundane realities of our lives and reminds us that beyond the daily grind of our existence there is another, unseen reality.' Paula Gooder explores the Bible's teaching on heaven and explains how it is nearer to earth than you might think. A book for all who are curious about the dwelling place of God and the angels. Intended for people looking for answers to life's biggest questions, this little book of guidance will appeal to anyone, whether believer or non-believer, looking for a quick and easy way into the topic.

In Chapter 1 Paula Gooder discusses the problems of interpreting this text and looks at the major debates of its past interpreters. The most popular modern approach is to compare it with other texts of ascent in the Judaeo-Christian tradition, yet even a brief examination of these texts indicate that differences are present. In the remainder of the book Gooder evaluates the extent and significance of these differences. Part One consists of a detailed consideration of a range of texts which superficially seem closest to 2 Corinthians 12. Chapter 2 presents a history of scholarship on heavenly ascent. Chapters 3 to 8 each examine a text of ascent from a different period and background in the Judaeo-Christian tradition. Chapter 9 draws out the points of similarity between these texts. Part Two considers the text of 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 in the light of the findings of Part One. In the detailed examination of the Pauline ascent in chapter 10, the extent of the differences between this text and the texts examined in Part One becomes clear. Chapter 11 proposes a new interpretation of the account of ascent, arguing that it reports a failed ascent into heaven. The chapter shows that this interpretation makes sense not only of 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 itself but also of chapters 10-13 which surround it. The account is one more example of weakness from the apostle in which he proves that weakness, not strength, is the sign of a true apostle.

The Pentateuch (or the Torah) consists of the first five books of the Bible and is a foundational scripture for millions of people, both Jews and Christians. This book addresses the need for a clear and accessible introduction for those beginning Bible study. It presents and analyses key themes such as creation and the flood, exodus and liberation, covenant and land, and law and faith. These are explored in their ancient context and from the standpoint of contemporary concerns such as liberation theology, gender issues and ecology. Paula Gooder is Tutor is Biblical Studies at The Queen's Foundation, Birmingham and a freelance writer and lecturer.

Journeying with Mark offers a brief and accessible guide to the Gospel of Mark. Perfect for personal reflection and sermon preparation, this inspiring resource follows the Revised Common Lectionary. Each chapter corresponds to a season of the liturgical year and the Gospel passages read during that season. The reader will find an introduction to the biblical text that looks at historical and literary themes; imaginative new ways to encounter Mark in preaching and study, including poetry; and reflections on the text's meaning for contemporary Christian life. Each chapter ends with an action item, reflection questions, and a prayer.

When faced with times of crisis or challenge, many people turn to self-help for support. But what about Christians - how can we find strength not merely in self-help but in God's help? A Way through the Wilderness is a five-session course which explores God's promise to comfort his people as they struggle through life's wildernesses. With extensive guidance for leaders as well as for group members, this is an inspiring choice for house, cell and Lent groups.

As we journey through life, we face challenges - both big and small. What spiritual essentials will help us survive life's storms? Lentwise is a five-session course which helps us to deal with the rigors of real life. Using fresh insights from John's gospel, it explores: direction nourishment wisdom refreshment security Each session contains enough material for 90 minutes and includes: guidelines and full background notes for leaders, a passage from John's gospel freshly translated by the author, prompts to aid both discussion and understanding, inspiring quotations and personal stories, prayer exercises, ideas for using multimedia in the group, and resources to support worship together. Each group member will need a copy of the book.

This six-part course for parishes and Lent groups is based on Pope Francis’ much acclaimed recent reflections on mission and evangelism, published as Evangelii Gaudium (‘The Joy of the Gospel’). Widely recognised as offering wisdom and vision for all Christians in a culture that is often hostile to the church, Evangelii Gaudium offers a positive and realistic approach to sharing faith in the modern world. Paula Gooder introduces its key themes to readers in all denominations and challenges them to consider its application in their own contexts. The course includes: Preface: Why Study Evangelii Gaudium? 1. The Joy of the Gospel 2. The Church’s Missionary Transformation 3. Amid the Crisis of Communal Commitment 4. The Proclamation of the Gospel 5. The Social Dimension of Evangelization 6. Spirit-filled Evangelizers

Sometime around 56 AD, the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome. He entrusted this letter to Phoebe, whom he describes as the deacon of the church at Cenchreae and a patron of many. But who was this remarkable woman? Biblical scholar and popular author and speaker Paula Gooder imagines Phoebe's story--who she was, the life she lived, and her first-century faith--and in doing so opens up Paul's world, giving a sense of the cultural and historical pressures that shaped his thinking and the faith of the early church. After the narrative, Gooder includes an extensive notes section with comments on the historical context, biographical details, cultural practices, and more. Rigorously researched, this is a book for anyone who wants to engage more deeply and imaginatively with Paul's theology.

Sometime around 56 AD, the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome. His letter was arguably his theological masterpiece, and has continued to shape Christian faith ever since. He entrusted this letter to Phoebe, the deacon of the church at Cenchreae; in writing to the church that almost surely met in her home, Paul refers to her both as a deacon and as a helper or patron of many. But who was this remarkable woman? In this, her first novel, Biblical scholar and popular author and speaker Paula Gooder tells Phoebe's story - who she was, the life she lived and her first-century faith - and in doing so opens up Paul's theology, giving a sense of the cultural and historical pressures that shaped Paul's thinking, and the faith of the early church. Written in the gripping style of Gerd Theissen's The Shadow of the Galilean, and similarly rigorously researched, this is a novel for everyone and anyone who wants to engage more deeply and imaginatively with Paul's theology - from one of the UK's foremost New Testament scholars.

Winner - CRT Christian Book of the Year, 2023The New Testament tells us very little about Lydia, a seller of purple cloth who was living in Philippi when she met the apostle Paul on his second missionary journey. And yet she is considered the first recorded convert to Christianity in Europe. In her second work of fiction, Biblical scholar and popular author and speaker Paula Gooder tells Lydia's story - who she was, the life she lived and her first-century faith - and in doing so opens up Paul's letter to the Philippians, giving a sense of the cultural and historical pressures that shaped Paul's thinking, and the faith of the early church.Written in the gripping style of Gerd Theissen's The Shadow of the Galilean, and similarly rigorously researched, this is a book for everyone and anyone who wants to engage more deeply and imaginatively with Paul's theology - from one of the UK's foremost New Testament scholars.

'This is the book I've been waiting for all my life. Paula Gooder enables the reader to engage with the Psalms in such depth, satisfying all the many hungers that are raised as the Psalms are studied, prayed and sung.' Jane Williams, McDonald Professor in Theology, St Mellitus College'Superb and refreshing - I encourage people to explore this wonderfully creative book'Jarel Robinson-Brown, theologian, author and Assistant Curate at St Botolph's-Without-Aldgate'This is a wonderful book. Paula Gooder has found a way to make the most loved psalms fresh and new with easily digestible commentary and an invitation to further exploration. It has made me a convert to Bible journalling.' The Church MouseA thoughtful guide to prayer and reflection on the Psalms with plenty of space for journalling.In this beautifully designed hardback journal, theologian Paula Gooder leads readers through fifteen favourite Psalms, offering insight and tips on how to pray and reflect on some of the most profound poetry in the Hebrew Scriptures.After a brief introduction to the history and context of each one, Paula invites readers to stand back and contemplate the Psalm as a whole, before zooming in to pick up on fascinating details and posing searching questions to deepen our understanding of God and ourselves. Paula selects some of the most well-loved Psalms for the journal, including Psalms 1, 23, 42, 88, 139, 145, 150. Lined pages face each Psalm, with space for journalling following each question.This journal would make a perfect Easter gift or to work through during Lent, either personally or as a Lent group study resource.Journalling the Psalms won 'Devotional/Gift Book of the Year' at the Christian Resources Together Awards, 2022.

In the style of her bestselling Phoebe, Paula Gooder uses her extensive biblical expertise to retell the events of the Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension through the eyes of nine female characters she imagines accompanying Jesus during these momentous days. Accompanied by nine colour illustrations, each story brings to life the tension, drama and shock of the events of Holy Week, banishing any over-familiarity and helping readers enter into the Passion narrative in a deeper, more meaningful way. Originally given as a series of addresses at Southwark Cathedral during Holy Week 2021, these nine stories are for all who long to encounter Jesus afresh through the Easter Story.

Following on from her bestselling Women of Holy Week, Paula Gooder uses her extensive biblical expertise and storytelling skills to recreate the events of the nativity, from the promise of a future people to Sarah, to the presentation in the temple and the encounter with Anna, the prophet. The story is told from the perspective of nine women in all including Mary, Elizabeth, Rachel, and others whom scripture records or tradition has imagined, such as the innkeeper’s wife. As we hear the familiar stories afresh through their words, the wonder of the incarnation and its consequences for good and for ill, come to vivid life in a new way. Each story is accompanied by a painting by the priest-artist, Ally Barrett. This will be widely welcomed by all who love Paula’s writing and respect her biblical expertise as well as those looking for fresh inspiration for seasonal services from Advent to Candlemas.

The third volume in the Biblical Explorations series from bestselling New Testament writer Paula Gooder explores a major exponent of the Gospels: the parables of Jesus. Covering every parable, this volume focuses on some of the best-known stories in the gospels, mining their meaning afresh today. It considers why Jesus spoke in pictures and opens up the world behind the parables to reveal just how striking, memorable and challenging they were for their original hearers. Biblical Explorations is an exciting series that offers an accessible and informed study of the best loved texts in Scripture. Rooted in the conviction that greater understanding of the Bible leads to deeper discipleship, it is an essential resource for preachers, teachers and study group leaders, as well as those who simply wish to get to know the Bible better.