Mark Ellingsen

Reality and Waves: A Quantum Physics Cosmology, Philosophy of Religion, and Ethic explores how the findings of Quantum Physics have rich implications for coping with the realities of everyday life and for developing a Philosophy of Life. Drawing on the insights of an early founder of the discipline, Werner Heisenberg, Ellingsen notes that the study of microscopic realities of the atom results in “weird” findings about reality, that it does not behave as predictably as other Sciences would lead us to think. The uncertainty about these realities emerges because the components of the atom often behave like waves. Drawing on Heisenberg’s reflections it is argued that these findings can be applied to visible reality. Just as light is in waves, even our brains embody waves. Public opinion and historical eras are also waves. This vision of reality explains the continuities and discontinuities in life, the highs and lows.Relying on Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle and concept of Complementarity, aided by Augustinian thinking, the case is then made for how Religion and Science can exist side-by-side, what is provided by an appreciation of a God Who dwells in the “stuff” of matter, a God Who perhaps binds the particles and atoms into matter. The concept also helps us understand how God can both determine reality and yet not be in control in all events. In addition, it gives us confidence in dealing with the waves of life and helps us appreciate how a good God still governs in the midst of pandemics, injustices, and tragedies.

Why is there so much racism in America, when most of us claim we are not racists? Drawing on evolutionary insights, the latest research on the human brain, and wisdom from religious traditions Mark Ellingsen and James Woodall explore this question with a unique perspective. They detail the ways in which we are in some ways "wired for racism", but they also show how the elasticity of the brain enables genuine progress, particularly when aided by religious practices and best practices of the civil rights movement. If you are looking for a way to challenge the racial idolatry and race-based thinking that characterizes many of the social, legal, and economic structures in our world today, this is the book for you.

The flat world of our globalized economic order-with its information technology mandating the need for the labor force to compete globally-has led to turmoil, injustice, and growing unhappiness in our everyday lives. We need a way to find some mountaintops and fulfillment in our flat world, to have a sense that some moments can have eternal significance. S ren Kierkegaard, forerunner of Existentialism, provides us with a vision of life to help us cope and give us joy. Along the way, we'll see how a lot of his insights connect with cutting-edge findings on brain research about the biological dynamics of joy and fulfillment.Finding Peaks and Valleys in a Flat World will be of interest to undergraduate Philosophy and Religion students as well as Kierkegaard specialists. It will also be a good reference work for people interested in social analyses and theologians of every denominational affiliation.

Christianity is in decline in North America and Europe. Polls indicate that in the US the fastest-growing segment of the American population is the religiously unaffiliated (the so-called Nones). Why is this happening? Mark Ellingsen calls our attention to a previously overlooked reason--the flawed theology and Christian education material used in most mainline churches. These approaches forfeit the transcendence of God. They logically fall prey to the claim of German philosopher Ludwig Feuerbach (and his student Karl Marx) that Christianity is nothing more than a bunch of teachings that human beings have made up. Insofar as this is a message the public has been hearing, little wonder Christianity in America and Europe is losing ground Though his main concern is to get church and academy talking about this problem and to prod us to do something about it, Ellingsen proposes a way out of this mess. Drawing on insights from the neo-orthodox, postliberal, progressive evangelical, and black church traditions, he offers a proposal that succeeds in making clear that God is more than how we experience him. He invites readers to explore with him the exciting possibility that a theological use of the scientific method could be employed to make a case for the plausibility of Christian faith.

Christianity is in decline in North America and Europe. Polls indicate that in the US the fastest-growing segment of the American population is the religiously unaffiliated (the so-called Nones). Why is this happening? Mark Ellingsen calls our attention to a previously overlooked reason--the flawed theology and Christian education material used in most mainline churches. These approaches forfeit the transcendence of God. They logically fall prey to the claim of German philosopher Ludwig Feuerbach (and his student Karl Marx) that Christianity is nothing more than a bunch of teachings that human beings have made up. Insofar as this is a message the public has been hearing, little wonder Christianity in America and Europe is losing ground Though his main concern is to get church and academy talking about this problem and to prod us to do something about it, Ellingsen proposes a way out of this mess. Drawing on insights from the neo-orthodox, postliberal, progressive evangelical, and black church traditions, he offers a proposal that succeeds in making clear that God is more than how we experience him. He invites readers to explore with him the exciting possibility that a theological use of the scientific method could be employed to make a case for the plausibility of Christian faith.

This book is designed to help students of all denominations learn how to do theology for themselves! It's not your usual textbook which only represents the theology of the author. Drawing on his rich ecumenical, international experience, his years of working with the Black church, and dialoguing with Evangelicals, Mark Ellingsen introduces readers to all the major theological options for explaining the Church's doctrine which have appeared in the history of Christianity. He offers empathetic description and critical evaluation of each option (strengths and weaknesses) in such a way that unless you have read his other books you'll never figure out where he stands. Whether you're mainline Protestant, Catholic, Evangelical, or Eastern Orthodox, this is a book to help you determine which options make the most sense for you and your church, and then helps you decide what you believe. A feature unique to this publication are the charts in the back of the book - handy tools to orient you to all of the major theological options which will help you locate where you stand on each doctrine and what great theologians of the past are your allies. Along with the simplicity and convenience of the charts, reading the chapters will reflect the kind of scholarship and nuance one expects from a textbook, the careful work the academy has come to expect from Ellingsen, and ample Biblical authorization for most of the positions considered.

"Go against the grain."This is what Mark Ellingsen wants your church to hear in A Rebellious Faith. It isn't merely odd or contradictory in the eyes of the world to live a Christian life. It is offensive.To go against the grain - by discounting our accomplishments, carrying no shame in the light of grace, considering no one outside of God's love - is to sometimes make people who worship hard work, the quest for perfection and exceptionalism deeply uncomfortable.And that is a very good thing.Ellingsen begins with the irrevocable truth that the ashes we put on our living bodies at the beginning of the Lenten season represent the death we all deserve. From there, he leads your congregation through the brazenly offensive, un-American ideas presented in the New Testament.Confession does not shame and isolate us, it liberates us. Bearing the cross of our sin is not a burden, but a blessing in the knowledge the Lord has paid the ultimate price for our sin. The Resurrection does not make anyone exceptional. It unites us all whether or not we are ready to enter Heaven together.A Rebellious Faith reminds us thatthe war is already won, and we are to live as brave sinners whose Savior cannot be overcome.Sermons include: Lent 1: "A Protestant (and Catholic) Way to Confess" (Romans 10:8b-13) Good Friday: "Look What Happened on the Cross God Burns Away All Our Pettiness" (Hebrews 10:16-25) Easter: "Easter Makes Us One " (Acts 10:34-43) The Ascension of Our Lord: "The Triumph of God's Grace" (Ephesians 1:15-23) Mark Ellingsen, a minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), has been a professor of Church History at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, since 1993. He graduated magna cum laude from Gettysburg College (Pennsylvania) and Yale University, from which he received three master's degrees in divinity, arts, and philosophy, as well as his Ph.D. He has authored eighteen books including Sin Bravely: A Joyful Alternative to a Purpose-Driven Life (Continuum) and The Integrity of Biblical Narrative (Wipf and Stock). He and his wife have three grown children. When he is not writing or teaching, Ellingsen enjoys discussing politics, sports, and playing guitar.

This volume is a unique interpretation of what Martin Luther contributes to renewed appreciation of Biblical diversity. The Church in the West is struggling. One reason behind this is that the prevailing models for Theology have imposed logical and modern ways of thinking about faith that renders theology academic, and therefore largely irrelevant for daily life. By letting the first Reformer speak for himself in this book, Mark Ellingsen shows how Martin Luther’s theological approach can reform the Church’s theology today. The real Luther-not the one taught by his various systematic interpreters-presents Christian faith in its entirety, with all its rough edges, in such a way as to direct on how and when to employ those dimensions of the Biblical witness most appropriate for the situation in which we find ourselves.

When it comes to preaching from a lectionary, it can often be a daunting task to create new ways of preaching about a passage that has been around for thousands of years. It would seem that, after a while, there would be no new ways of looking at a scripture passage. A different perspective, however, can be most beneficial in finding a new way to help your congregation see each of the readings. This is the inspiration behind the Lectionary Preaching Workbook series and this special edition for Lent and Easter. By providing new insights into each of the readings in the Revised Common, Roman Catholic, and Episcopal Lectionaries, Mark Ellingsen has given pastors everywhere the tools they need to effectively relate the heart of the scriptures to their congregations, combining the best of scholarly techniques with pastoral experience. Each of these illustrations and thematic explorations provide the perfect jumping point for pastors to take a text and create thought-provoking, inspirational messages. Its easy-to-use format and illuminating commentary make the Lectionary Preaching Workbook an essential addition to any pastor's library. Mark Ellingsen, a minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), has been a professor at Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, since 1993. He graduated magna cum laude from Gettysburg College (Pennsylvania) and Yale University, from which he received three master's degrees in divinity, arts, and philosophy, as well as his Ph.D. He has authored eighteen books. He and his wife have three grown children. When he is not writing or teaching, Ellingsen enjoys discussing politics, sports, and playing guitar.

Mark Ellingsen's new Lectionary Preaching Workbook will be a wonderful resource for pastors for decades to come. I say this because I find the book to be exegetically sound, theologically strong, homiletically creative, liturgically sensitive, and imminently practical in the best sense of that word. Practical Theology of the highest order -- that's what describes Ellingsen's workbook. A modest hope is that preachers who have found themselves timid about approaching the lectionary will see in Mark Ellingsen's workbook a way to test the waters, and eventually dive in. Ellingsen provides here the opportunity for that homiletical leap of faith William J. Carl III, Ph.D. President and Professor of Homiletics Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Dr. Ellingsen presents the preacher with a resource that deeply enriches weekly sermon preparation. Not only does he offer exegetical and theological information for the lections, but sermon topics, themes, and other resources as well... I also appreciate the resources that he offers at the beginning of the workbook: the review of the books of the Bible, a theological overview, as well as reviews of the various seasons of the church. Unlike so many lectionary resources that are grounded in the scriptures, Dr. Ellingsen incorporates a strong focus on the theological emphasis of the texts and context. I will definitely encourage the students to purchase this workbook. Lucy Lind Hogan, Ph.D. Hugh Latimer Elderdice Professor of Preaching and Worship Wesley Theological Seminary Washington DC Mark Ellingsen's Lectionary Preaching Workbook (Series IX Cycle A) is a rich and stimulating resource for preachers, especially those who manage the adamant deadline (really, lifeline) imposed on preachers by weekly worship. Each section is filled with theological reflection, liturgical sensibility, exegetical sketches, along with sermon prompts, outlines, and "gimmicks." This last is his own word for what amount to suggestions for why a sermon on a particular text can be made to matter to both preacher and audience... Ellingsen's stated intent is to be an unbiased conversation partner with the preacher and in this goal he is careful to provide a range of options for topic and approach for each occasion... The closer a preacher is to wanting to continue in the Protestant tradition if theologically informed, exegetically nuanced, liturgically sensitive, and rhetorically focused preacher, the more that preacher will find Lectionary Preaching Workbook a sturdy companion. Henry J. (Hank) Langknecht Haman-Pfahler Professor of Homiletics and Christian Communications Trinity Lutheran Seminary Columbus, Ohio Mark Ellingsen, a minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), has been a professor of Church History at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, since 1993. He graduated magna cum laude from Gettysburg College (Pennsylvania) and Yale University, from which he received three master's degrees in divinity, arts, and philosophy, as well as his Ph.D. He has authored eighteen books including Sin Bravely: A Joyful Alternative to a Purpose-Driven Life (Continuum) and The Integrity of Narrative (Wipf and Stock). He and his wife have three grown children. When he is not writing or teaching, Ellingsen enjoys discussing politics, sports, and playing guitar.

I am very impressed with the way Dr. Ellingsen outlines this Lectionary Preaching Workbook... Here is a splendid workbook. It is rich in detail and theological insight. Ellingsen writes clearly, is sensitive to context, and widens our] horizons... This book should be required reading for all pastors, seminary students, and other lay people who are involved in ministry with adults and youth. It should be regarded as a textbook to enhance one's knowledge about the meaning of the seasons or major festivals of the church] year. Reverend Jesse Averett Jr. Presiding Elder, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church If a preacher is looking for quick and easy sermons, this tool is not what s/he is seeking. But if a preacher is looking for solid biblical scholarship, thoughtful exegesis, a possible preaching theme for each of the appointed lessons for each Sunday in the lectionary year accompanied by a variety of ideas for how that theme might be developed, then CSS' latest Lectionary Preaching Workbook will be a valuable resource. Built around the Revised Common Lectionary and the Christian church year, Pr. Mark Ellingsen has put together a highly useful resource. Ellingsen's passion for justice and equality as applied to the social issues of the day comes through clearly in some of his "sermon moves" as well as the socio-economic and political illustrative connections he offers. Incorporating insights and quotations from a variety of sources -- everything from modern brain research to Luther, Calvin, Liberation Theology, Bonhoeffer, Pascal, and Barth -- Ellingsen strives to connect God's word to our world in ways that the preacher will find stimulating and inspirational. Glenn L. Simmons Assistant to the Bishop Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America When it comes to preaching from a lectionary, it can often be a daunting task to create new ways of preaching about a passage that has been around for thousands of years. It would seem that, after a while, there would be no new ways of looking at a scripture passage. A different perspective, however, can be most beneficial in finding a new way to help your congregation see each of the readings. This is the inspiration behind the Lectionary Preaching Workbook series and this special edition for the Season after Pentecost. By providing new insights into each of the readings in the Revised Common, Roman Catholic, and Episcopal Lectionaries, Mark Ellingsen has given pastors everywhere the tools they need to effectively relate the heart of the scriptures to their congregations, combining the best of scholarly techniques with pastoral experience. Each of these illustrations and thematic explorations provide the perfect jumping-off point for pastors to take a text and create thought-provoking, inspirational messages. Its easy-to-use format and illuminating commentary make the Lectionary Preaching Workbook an essential addition to any pastor's library. Mark Ellingsen, a minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), has been a professor at Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, since 1993. He graduated magna cum laude from Gettysburg College (Pennsylvania) and Yale University, from which he received three master's degrees in divinity, arts, and philosophy, as well as his Ph.D. He has authored seventeen books. He and his wife have three grown children. When he is not writing or teaching, Ellingsen enjoys discussing politics, sports, and playing guitar.

I am very impressed with the way Dr. Ellingsen outlines this Lectionary Preaching Workbook... Here is a splendid workbook. It is rich in detail and theological insight. Ellingsen writes clearly, is sensitive to context, and widens our] horizons... This book should be required reading for all pastors, seminary students, and other lay people who are involved in ministry with adults and youth. It should be regarded as a textbook to enhance one's knowledge about the meaning of the seasons or major festivals of the church] year. Reverend Jesse Averett Jr. Presiding Elder, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church If a preacher is looking for quick and easy sermons, this tool is not what s/he is seeking. But if a preacher is looking for solid biblical scholarship, thoughtful exegesis, a possible preaching theme for each of the appointed lessons for each Sunday in the lectionary year accompanied by a variety of ideas for how that theme might be developed, then CSS' latest Lectionary Preaching Workbook will be a valuable resource. Built around the Revised Common Lectionary and the Christian church year, Pr. Mark Ellingsen has put together a highly useful resource. Ellingsen's passion for justice and equality as applied to the social issues of the day comes through clearly in some of his "sermon moves" as well as the socio-economic and political illustrative connections he offers. Incorporating insights and quotations from a variety of sources -- everything from modern brain research to Luther, Calvin, Liberation Theology, Bonhoeffer, Pascal, and Barth -- Ellingsen strives to connect God's word to our world in ways that the preacher will find stimulating and inspirational. Glenn L. Simmons Assistant to the Bishop Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America When it comes to preaching from a lectionary, it can often be a daunting task to create new ways of preaching about a passage that has been around for thousands of years. It would seem that, after a while, there would be no new ways of looking at a scripture passage. A different perspective, however, can be most beneficial in finding a new way to help your congregation see each of the readings. This is the inspiration behind the Lectionary Preaching Workbook series and this special edition for Lent and Easter. By providing new insights into each of the readings in the Revised Common, Roman Catholic, and Episcopal Lectionaries, Mark Ellingsen has given pastors everywhere the tools they need to effectively relate the heart of the scriptures to their congregations, combining the best of scholarly techniques with pastoral experience. Each of these illustrations and thematic explorations provide the perfect jumping point for pastors to take a text and create thought-provoking, inspirational messages. Its easy-to-use format and illuminating commentary make the Lectionary Preaching Workbook an essential addition to any pastor's library. Mark Ellingsen, a minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), has been a professor at Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, since 1993. He graduated magna cum laude from Gettysburg College (Pennsylvania) and Yale University, from which he received three master's degrees in divinity, arts, and philosophy, as well as his Ph.D. He has authored seventeen books. He and his wife have three grown children. When he is not writing or teaching, Ellingsen enjoys discussing politics, sports, and playing guitar.