Standing up to hate, finding truth in parables and preaching sensible sermons are the focal points of three new titles now available from Nurturing Faith Books, the publishing imprint of Good Faith Media.
Michael Cheuk and other clergy reflect on the “summer of hate” when white supremacists and neo-Nazis descended on Charlottesville, Virginia, in August 2017, in Standing Up to Hate: The Charlottesville Clergy Collective and the Lessons from August 12, 2017.
The book provides firsthand accounts from Cheuk and other members of the collective about their experiences that summer as they sought to resist white supremacist violence and to help their community recover from the violence.
Cheuk is one of the founding members and leaders of The Charlottesville Clergy Collective, and an assistant director of Beloved Community Cville. He is a certified Christian leadership coach, a facilitator and consultant for congregations and organizations. He also served in Cooperative Baptist churches for over 20 years. He and his wife Beth live in Charlottesville and are parents of two young adult children.
Finding Truth in the Parables and Sensible Sermons are the latest books from Maralene and Miles Wesner, who have already published nine titles with Nurturing Faith Books.
The Bible is full of stories. Some are historical and factual, meant to be taken literally. Many others are parables about spiritual and moral issues, meant to teach a deeper lesson. Often, this distinction doesn’t matter, the Wesners assert in Finding the Truth in the Parables.
The meaning is what’s important. Unless the story can be applied in our lives today, it’s useless. Taking on 15 of the most popular and well-known Bible stories, the Wesners focus on the enduring meanings and applications for today.
Sensible Sermons offers messages filled with practical solutions to everyday problems based on the Wesners’ conviction that people aren’t interested in complicated doctrinal debates. They will not listen to theological lectures concerning ancient decrees. They want a commonsense gospel, and that’s the kind of gospel Jesus presented.
Each sermon in this book speaks to challenges related to personal development, social relationships and spiritual commitment that we face today. They offer readers practical, relevant and commonsense insights and applications.
The Wesners are multi-talented teachers and prolific writers. They are known for their no-nonsense style, their clear illustrations, and their willingness to face controversial issues. From the dual perspectives of both academic and religious professions, they seek to be a bridge between the spiritual and the intellectual worlds.
All three titles are now available in the Nurturing Faith Books online bookstore.
Reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens.