Stuart Murray

Classrooms are continuously becoming harder places to work. There are discipline and engagement challenges, a relentless pace, high expectations, and so much to cover. The Cycle of Authentic Relevant Engagement (C.A.R.E.) is a simple, proven experiential learning method that will develop your ability to turn everything around and make you a superstar Through the proof of over 400 research studies, we can point to C.A.R.E. as a motivating, engaging learning method that erases most discipline problems and engages students and teachers on an adventurous learning journey Use the same curriculum you use today. Include important competencies in your students' learning - like critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, grit, and self-direction - and, do it all in an authentic, place-based experience. C.A.R.E. is adaptable and it is useful in every grade of schooling, including colleges, universities, alternate schooling, and business settings. This book will guide you to become confident and in control of a powerful experiential learning method that really makes a difference. We all know that education needs to change, especially when we see that world-wide only 34% of students who are still in school in their final grades are actually fully engaged with their schooling. This is a monumental loss of learning that can be rectified, and C.A.R.E. is your first step in helping us all turn this situation around. Don't wait for someone to tell you what the next great direction in education is; show them. C.A.R.E. is real, it is powerful, and we are sincere. Visit us at our website, read the book, and join the C.A.R.E. community. Sincerely, Agnes, Stuart, and Ross

Once used exclusively by bodybuilders other athletes, steroids are now primarily consumed by men who want to look better. Steroids and the Growing Crisis of Male Body Image aims to introduce laypeople, clinicians, and academics to a better and more modern understanding of steroids and the men who use them. This informative new resource discusses the history of steroids, the stigma and stereotypes surrounding use, the role of steroids in the realm of eating disorder behavior, muscle dysmorphia, connections between steroid use and masculinity, as well as ideas for clinical and population-level interventions to help body dissatisfied men who are or have considered using steroids.

Once used exclusively by bodybuilders other athletes, steroids are now primarily consumed by men who want to look better. Steroids and the Growing Crisis of Male Body Image aims to introduce laypeople, clinicians, and academics to a better and more modern understanding of steroids and the men who use them. This informative new resource discusses the history of steroids, the stigma and stereotypes surrounding use, the role of steroids in the realm of eating disorder behavior, muscle dysmorphia, connections between steroid use and masculinity, as well as ideas for clinical and population-level interventions to help body dissatisfied men who are or have considered using steroids.

What does it look like to be an Anabaptist community in the modern world? And why does it matter? A new incarnation of Anabaptism is emerging, but not where we might expect. In the United Kingdom--a post-Christendom context with little historical Anabaptist presence--Christian communities are embodying fresh expressions of Anabaptist faith and practice. In this companion to The Naked Anabaptist, author Stuart Murray identifies twelve common practices of such churches and communities that are shaped by an Anabaptist vision. Murray explores how these practices--which include encouraging economic radicalism in the face of rampant consumerism, truth-telling in a "post-truth" society, and accountability in an individualistic culture that knows little about the Christian story--might shape emerging Christian communities and inspire those seeking fresh expressions as cultural changes accelerate. The book concludes with three on-the-ground reports from ministry leaders pursuing this Anabaptist vision in their own post-Christendom contexts. The New Anabaptists provides foundational resources for followers of Jesus in many different settings as they rise to the challenge of faithful and radical discipleship in local communities.

What does it look like to be an Anabaptist community in the modern world? And why does it matter? A new incarnation of Anabaptism is emerging, but not where we might expect. In the United Kingdom--a post-Christendom context with little historical Anabaptist presence--Christian communities are embodying fresh expressions of Anabaptist faith and practice. In this companion to The Naked Anabaptist, author Stuart Murray identifies twelve common practices of such churches and communities that are shaped by an Anabaptist vision. Murray explores how these practices--which include encouraging economic radicalism in the face of rampant consumerism, truth-telling in a "post-truth" society, and accountability in an individualistic culture that knows little about the Christian story--might shape emerging Christian communities and inspire those seeking fresh expressions as cultural changes accelerate. The book concludes with three on-the-ground reports from ministry leaders pursuing this Anabaptist vision in their own post-Christendom contexts. The New Anabaptists provides foundational resources for followers of Jesus in many different settings as they rise to the challenge of faithful and radical discipleship in local communities.

Medical humanities and disability studies are disciplines at the cutting edge of innovative critical work in the study of health and disability, but to date there has been no book-length examination of the relationship between the two. Although each has emerged from different heritages, they share many features, from discussing the complexities of embodiment, identifying processes of exclusion and championing user participation, to a commitment to new forms of critical writing.In/Disciplines explores the connections between the two disciplines in detail. It presents a series of provocations about how they interact, the forms their practice take, and their strengths and weaknesses as working methods. With a focus on life stories that give accounts of health and disability experiences, it mixes creative and critical writing in an accessible manner aimed at a wide audience in both Medical Humanities and Disability Studies, and across new humanities more widely. The book asserts that both disciplines need to evaluate and challenge core assumptions if they are to remain critically relevant in the evolving study of social and cultural understanding of health and disability.

Medical humanities and disability studies are disciplines at the cutting edge of innovative critical work in the study of health and disability, but to date there has been no book-length examination of the relationship between the two. Although each has emerged from different heritages, they share many features, from discussing the complexities of embodiment, identifying processes of exclusion and championing user participation, to a commitment to new forms of critical writing.In/Disciplines explores the connections between the two disciplines in detail. It presents a series of provocations about how they interact, the forms their practice take, and their strengths and weaknesses as working methods. With a focus on life stories that give accounts of health and disability experiences, it mixes creative and critical writing in an accessible manner aimed at a wide audience in both Medical Humanities and Disability Studies, and across new humanities more widely. The book asserts that both disciplines need to evaluate and challenge core assumptions if they are to remain critically relevant in the evolving study of social and cultural understanding of health and disability.

The first comprehensive introduction to the life, ministry and newly translated writings of an under-valued Anabaptist pioneer. It offers fresh insights into the diversity of the early Anabaptist movement and an opportunity to reflect on a less heroic expression of Anabaptism.

This book offers an accessible overview of the role sport plays in international relations and diplomacy.Sports diplomacy has previously been defined as an old but under-studied aspect of the estranged relations between peoples, nations and states. These days, it is better understood as the conscious, strategic and ongoing use of sport, sportspeople and sporting events by state and non-state actors to advance policy, trade, development, education, image, reputation, brand, and people-to-people links. In order to better understand the many occasions where sport and diplomacy overlap, this book presents four new, inter-disciplinary and theoretical categories of sports diplomacy: traditional, ‘new’, sport-as-diplomacy, and sports anti-diplomacy. These categories are further validated by a large number of case studies, ranging from the Ancient Olympiad to the recent appearance of esoteric, government sports diplomacy strategies, and beyond, to the activities of non-state sporting actors such as F.C. Barcelona, Colin Kaepernick and the digital world of e-sports. As a result, the landscape of sports diplomacy becomes clearer, as do the pitfalls and limitations of using sport as a diplomatic tool.This book will be of much interest to students of diplomacy, foreign policy, sports studies, and International Relations in general.

This book offers an accessible overview of the role sport plays in international relations and diplomacy.Sports diplomacy has previously been defined as an old but under-studied aspect of the estranged relations between peoples, nations and states. These days, it is better understood as the conscious, strategic and ongoing use of sport, sportspeople and sporting events by state and non-state actors to advance policy, trade, development, education, image, reputation, brand, and people-to-people links. In order to better understand the many occasions where sport and diplomacy overlap, this book presents four new, inter-disciplinary and theoretical categories of sports diplomacy: traditional, ‘new’, sport-as-diplomacy, and sports anti-diplomacy. These categories are further validated by a large number of case studies, ranging from the Ancient Olympiad to the recent appearance of esoteric, government sports diplomacy strategies, and beyond, to the activities of non-state sporting actors such as F.C. Barcelona, Colin Kaepernick and the digital world of e-sports. As a result, the landscape of sports diplomacy becomes clearer, as do the pitfalls and limitations of using sport as a diplomatic tool.This book will be of much interest to students of diplomacy, foreign policy, sports studies, and International Relations in general.

Western societies are experiencing a series of disorientating culture shifts. Uncertain where we are heading, observers use “post” words to signal that familiar landmarks are disappearing, but we cannot yet discern the shape of what is emerging. One of the most significant shifts, “post-Christendom,” raises many questions about the mission and role of the church in this strange new world. What does it mean to be one of many minorities in a culture that the church no longer dominates? How do followers of Jesus engage in mission from the margins? What do we bring with us as precious resources from the fading Christendom era, and what do we lay down as baggage that will weigh us down on our journey into post-Christendom? Post-Christendom identifies the challenges and opportunities of this unsettling but exciting time. In the second edition of this provocative and important book, Stuart Murray presents an overview of the formation and development of the Christendom system, examines the legacies this has left, and highlights the questions that the Christian community needs to consider in this period of cultural transition.

Western societies are experiencing a series of disorientating culture shifts. Uncertain where we are heading, observers use ""post"" words to signal that familiar landmarks are disappearing, but we cannot yet discern the shape of what is emerging. One of the most significant shifts, ""post-Christendom,"" raises many questions about the mission and role of the church in this strange new world. What does it mean to be one of many minorities in a culture that the church no longer dominates? How do followers of Jesus engage in mission from the margins? What do we bring with us as precious resources from the fading Christendom era, and what do we lay down as baggage that will weigh us down on our journey into post-Christendom? Post-Christendom identifies the challenges and opportunities of this unsettling but exciting time. Stuart Murray presents an overview of the formation and development of the Christendom system, examines the legacies this has left, and highlights the questions that the Christian community needs to consider in this period of cultural transition. ""You will find this well-written and compellingly-argued work to be as challenging as it is insightful, and as exciting as it is encouraging."" --Greg Boyd, Senior Pastor, Woodland Hills Church, Maplewood, Minnesota ""What an illuminating read Its clear-eyed analysis of how Christians got so tragically off course is a must-read for all those ready to rediscover Jesus, reimagine church, and live into hope for a more just, gentle world."" --Sara Wenger Shenk, President, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Indiana ""I read the first edition of Post-Christendom when it came out fourteen years ago and have returned to it regularly since. Stuart Murray's plea for us to disavow Christendom and rediscover Jesus-centered mission from the margins of contemporary society is no less a clarion call today than it was back then."" --Michael Frost, Morling College, Sydney ""I used to recommend the first edition to all the leaders, pastors, church planters, and students I could. I will now require the second edition for all I work with. This is a crucial read."" --Cam Roxburgh, Senior Pastor of Southside Community Church, National Director of Forge Canada ""With the on-going demise of Christendom, Western Christians are finding themselves in relatively uncharted territory. If this unsettling situation feels a bit like being lost in the deep woods, reading Steward Murray's Post-Christendom feels like finding a reliable compass. He doesn't claim to have all the answers, but he certainly asks the right questions, which in turn helps us begin to head in the right direction. Unless you are among the diminishing rank of those misguided folk who are still trying to prop up Christendom--as though its death were not inevitable (and welcomed )--you will find this well-written and compellingly-argued work to be as challenging as it is insightful, and as exciting as it is encouraging."" --Greg Boyd, Senior Pastor, Woodland Hills Church, Maplewood, Minnesota ""What an illuminating read Murray provides a lucid, nuanced historical overview that masterfully describes the contours of Christendom, its demise, and resources for living into a Jesus-shaped future. This well-told account, while deeply disquieting, is ultimately empowering. It's clear-eyed analysis of how Christians got so tragically off course is a must-read for all those ready to rediscover Jesus, reimagine church, and live into hope for a more just, gentle world."" --Sara Wenger Shenk, President, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Indiana ""I read the first edition of Post-Christendom when it came out fourteen years ago and have returned to it regularly since. Stuart Murray's plea for us to disavow Christendom and rediscover Jesus-centered mission from the margins of contemporary society is no less a clarion call today than it was back then. I'm delighted to commend this second edition for a n

One of the most articulate and biblically grounded voices of the Radical Reformation, Peter Riedemann was only twenty-three when he penned this impassioned confession of faith in the gloom of a sixteenth-century Austrian dungeon. Already a noted Anabaptist leader, Riedemann called fellow persecuted Christians to witness to a love that, “when it really burns, having kindled our eagerness for God, the more temptations and tribulations meet it, the more it flares, until it overcomes and consumes all injustice and wickedness.” A classic testament to religious liberty with a timely message for modern believers, Love Is Like Fire serves as a striking reminder of the spirit that fired the hearts of early “heretics” during the Reformation. A first translation into English, this book is an important addition to the small but growing number of primary sources on early Anabaptism.

Click here to read the introduction to The Naked Anabaptist.In churches and kitchens and neighborhood centers across the world, communities of Jesus-followers are crafting a vision of radical service, simple living, and commitment to peace. Many are finding a home in a Christian tradition almost five centuries old: Anabaptism.Who are the Anabaptists? What do they believe? Where did they come from? What makes them different from other Christians? And can you become an Anabaptist without leaving your own church?Follow Stuart Murray as he peels back the layers to reveal the core convictions of Anabaptist Christianity, a way of following Jesus that challenges, disturbs, and inspires. Glimpse an alternative to nationalistic, materialistic, individualistic Christian faith. If you are seeking a community of authentic discipleship, heartfelt worship, sacrificial service, and radical peacemaking, consider this your invitation.This new edition features: Voices and stories from North America and the global church.Updated and expanded definition and discussion of Christendom.Updated resource section.Free downloadable study guide available here.

During the past century the advance of secularism, the growth of other religious communities and the decline of the churches have combined to reduce the size and influence of the Christian community. Christians are now members of a minority religious community in a plural society. How is this diminished status to be understood in a global and historical context, within the purposes of God? What institutional changes are required? What psychological and emotional adjustments are needed in communities that have a corporate memory of majority status, privilege and influence? What hopes and expectations should be encouraged? What strategies should be adopted? A Vast Minority explores the challenges and opportunities we face. - Publisher

I boken Flerstämmig församling talar Stuart och Sian Murray Williams om att församlingarna i Nya testamentet var flerstämmiga. Medlemmarna förväntade sig att den helige Ande skulle tala genom alla i församlingen. Författarna visar på den bibliska grunden och hur väckelserörelser i kyrkohistorien förnyar de mångas engagemang, medan kyrklig stagnation leder till att man förlorar detta. När församlingen blir enstämmig blir de många istället passiva åskådare och endast ett fåtal professionella röster hörs och syns. Författarna tydliggör också att den flerstämmiga församlingen är nödvändig för genuin mission i dagens komplexa värld och församlingen måste vaka över sin flerstämmighet om den ska bevaras frisk och sund. I Flerstämmig församling får läsaren på ett mycket praktiskt sätt insikter om vad flerstämmighet betyder för gudstjänster, lärande, gemenskap och beslutsfattande och Stuart och Sian Murray Williams har med hjälp av många vänners berättelser och erfarenheter skrivit en bok som tar sig an dessa frågor på ett sällsynt relevant sätt.

Radikalt lärjungaskap handlar om att följa Jesus i en efter­kristen tid. För att den kristna tron och församlingen ska visa sin relevans i vår tid måste vi på nytt sätta Jesus i centrum. Stuart Murray har lett det anabaptistiska nätverket i Stor­britannien sedan starten 1991. Boken utgår från nätverkets sju kärnvärderingar och beskriver hur lärjungaskap och församlingsliv kan se ut i ett efterkristet Europa. Samhället förändras och därför måste också kyrkan förändras för att vara trogen mot sin Herre och sitt uppdrag. Radikalt lärjungaskap visar hur en modern rörelse med rötter i den radikala reformationen på 1500-talet kan ge viktiga nycklar till kyrkan i vår tid. Stuart Murray, bosatt i Bristol, reser över hela världen och möter lokala församlingar, missionsorganisationer, samfunds­ledningar samt deltar i konferenser. Hans ämnesområden är bl a församlingsplantering, kyrkan i efterkristendomstiden och anabaptismen. Han har skrivit ett femtontal böcker och leder även Urban Expression som arbetar med kreativ församlingsplantering i utsatta storstadsområden. ”Vi upptäckte att mycket av den bästa undervisningen om gemenskaps­byggande, relationer, konflikthantering, hus­församlingar och fungerande församlingsliv fanns hos mennoniterna, som är anabaptisternas historiska arvtagare. Vi tog djupa intryck av hur vi skulle tänka lärjungaskap, medlemskap, gemenskapsliv, ledarskap och beslutsfattande.” Jonas Melin, ur förordet