The commentary on the New Testament presented here does not refer to
any scholarly materials, because such studies enrich our understanding of the Bible
but are not necessary. We can see for ourselves that the church in
Jerusalem and Paul disagree about what should be required of Gentile
converts and that the gospels differ factually and in the way each proclaims the good news. It is obvious that the Bible was written by
human
beings to express their faith and understanding. The New Testament may
reveal to us the word of God, but it is not "the words" of God.
Faith, Belief, and
Religion
The
New Testament is all about faith, but says almost nothing about belief. Do
you know what this means and why it is important? Faith and belief are not
the same. We are called to be faithful, not "belief-ful." The
Christian proclamation is that we are saved by faith, not by our beliefs.
We are not saved by following the rules and rituals of
Christian religion, but by living faithfully. How is Christian faith like
faith in other religious traditions? Despite different beliefs, Christians
have much in common with other people of faith. To order click on the book cover.
Quest for Truth
Should
Christians cooperate with people of other religious traditions? Yes, in
working for a more just and peaceful world. Should churches participate in
interfaith activities and organizations? Yes, when these activities and
organizations enable all of us to live together more faithfully.
Should interfaith cooperation encourage dialogue about
what is true for all people of faith? Yes, if this quest includes
self-critical reflection and mutual respect. The goal of interfaith
cooperation should be repentance and forgiveness. To order click on the book cover.
Faith in Human
Rights
Do
Christians support human rights? Contemporary Christian teaching does,
although not all Christians have or do. Catholics and conservative and
liberal Protestants embraced human rights in the last half of the 20th
century. Is there support in other religious traditions? Yes, at least in
contemporary teachings.
There is also "secular faith" in human rights,
and secular and religious advocates for human rights struggle together.
This collaborative alliance for human dignity is rarely noted but worth
understanding. To order click on the book cover.
Jerusalem
Journal: Finding Hope
In the spring of 2005 Dr. Traer lived in East Jerusalem
and traveled on the West Bank as part of the Ecumenical Accompaniment
Program sponsored by the World Council of Churches. He interviewed
leaders of Rabbis for Human Rights, who defend the rights of Palestinians,
and experienced first hand what the occupation of the West Bank means for
both the Palestinians who suffer it and the Israelis who enforce it.
In this book Dr. Traer tells of his experiences, reminds
us of the history of the Holy Land, gives us a glimpse of the people
living in Jerusalem and on the West Bank, explains why the occupation must
end. To order click on title.
Doing
Ethics in a Diverse World
This introduction to ethics
written in collaboration with Harlan Stelmach challenges ethical
relativism by constructing moral presumptions, which is a practical way of
reasoning much like the rule of law. Claims that certain actions or
ways of being are inherently or intrinsically right or good are stated in
the everyday moral language we all use. This involves identifying
our duty and rights, what kind of person we think we should be, and who
should be included in making an ethical decision. After constructing
an ethical presumption as to how we should respond to a dilemma, we
consider if the possible consequences of acting on this presumption offer
sufficient evidence to act otherwise.
In the concluding
chapters of the book the authors apply this approach to the issues of
abortion, capital punishment, gay marriage, morality, health care, sex,
the war on terrorism, and ecology. This book will be available in the
summer of 2007, but may be ordered now by clicking on the title.
Human Rights
