Perspectives Series (9 vols.)

by Paul Helm; Roger E. Olson; John Sanders; Bruce A. Ware; Paul Renfro

and

36 more

Publisher:

B&H

, 2008–2015

Overview

The Perspectives Series is structured with authors presentpoints and counterpoints from a number of standpoints on various themes in doctrinal and practical theology that have developed over the course of church history with a goal of determining which view is most faithful to Scripture.

Perspectives on Family Ministry: Three Views

• Editor: Timothy Paul Jones
• Series: Perspectives
• Publisher: B&H Academic
• Publication Date: 2009
• Pages: 208

In Perspectives on Family Ministry, Timothy Paul Jones makes the case that every church is called to some form of family ministry—but what he means by “family ministry” isn’t simply one more program to add to an already-packed schedule! According to Jones, the most effective family ministries involve refocusing every church process to engage parents in the process of discipling their children and to draw family members together instead of pulling them apart.

Jones sets the stage with introductory chapters on the historical contexts and foundations of family ministry. Then, three effective practitioners show clearly how your church can make the transition to family ministry. Paul Renfro (pastor of discipleship at Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, Texas) writes in favor of Family-Integrated Ministry, where the emphasis is on intergenerational discipleship. Brandon Shields (minister to high school students at Highview Baptist Church, a multi-site megachurch in Kentucky and Indiana) supports Family-Based Ministry—ministry that organizes programs according to ages and interests but also develops intentional activities and training events to bring families together. Jay Strother (minister to emerging generations at Brentwood Baptist Church in Tennessee) prefers Family-Equipping Ministry, maintaining age-organized ministry while reorganizing the congregation to call parents to become active partners in the discipleship of their children.

Perspectives on Israel and the Church: 4 Views

• Editor: Chad Brand
• Series: Perspectives
• Publisher: B&H Academic
• Publication Date: 2015
• Pages: 328

The relationship between Israel and the church is one of the most debated issues in the history of theology. Some hold the view that there is almost seamless continuity between Israel and the church, while others believe there is very little continuity. Additional perspectives lie between these two. This debate has contributed to the formation of denominations and produced a variety of political views about the state of Israel.

Perspectives on Our Struggle with Sin: Three Views of Romans 7

• Editor: Terry Wilder
• Series: Perspectives
• Publisher: B&H Academic
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 224

Perspectives on Our Struggle with Sin presents in point-counterpoint form three differing views of a Christian’s relationship with the law, flesh, and spirit as illustrated through Paul’s often-debated words in Romans 7.

Perspectives on the Doctrine of God: Four Views

• Editor: Bruce Ware
• Series: Perspectives
• Publisher: B&H Academic
• Publication Date: 2008
• Pages: 288

Perspectives on the Doctrine of God presents in counterpoint form four basic common beliefs on the doctrine of God that have developed over the course of church history with a goal of determining which view is most faithful to Scripture.

Perspectives on the Ending of Mark: Four Views

• Editor: David Alan Black
• Series: Perspectives
• Publisher: B&H Academic
• Publication Date: 2008
• Pages: 160

Because it is conspicuously absent from more than one early Greek manuscript, the final section of the gospel of Mark (16:9-20) that details Christ’s resurrection remains a constant source of debate among serious students of the New Testament.

Perspectives on the Ending of Mark presents in counterpoint form the split opinions about this difficult passage with a goal of determining which is more likely. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary professors Maurice Robinson and David Alan Black argue for the verses’ authenticity. Keith Elliott (University of Leeds) and Daniel Wallace (Dallas Theological Seminary) contend that they are not original to Mark’s gospel. Darrell Bock (Dallas Theological Seminary) responds to each view and summarizes the state of current research on the entire issue.

Perspectives on the Extent of the Atonement: 3 Views

• Editors: Andrew David Naselli and Mark A. Snoeberger
• Series: Perspectives
• Publisher: B&H Academic
• Publication Date: 2015
• Pages: 256

Perspectives on the Extent of the Atonement presents a point-counterpoint exchange concerning God’s intention in sending Christ to die on the cross. All three contributors recognize a substitutionary element in the atoning work of Christ, but disagree over the nature and objects of that substitution.

Carl Trueman (Westminster Theological Seminary) argues that Christ’s atoning work secured the redemption of his elect alone. While infinite in value, Christ’s death was intended for and applied strictly to those whom the Father had elected unconditionally in eternity past.

Perspectives on the Sabbath: Four Views

• Editor: Christopher John Donato
• Series: Perspectives
• Publisher: B&H Academic
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 400

Perspectives on the Sabbath presents in point-counterpoint form the four most common views of the Sabbath commandment that have arisen throughout church history, representing the major positions held among Christians today. Skip MacCarty (Andrews University) defends the Seventh-day view which argues the fourth commandment is a moral law of God requiring us to keep the seventh day (Saturday) holy. It must therefore remain the day of rest and worship for Christians.

Perspectives on Tithing: Four Views

• Editor: David A. Croteau
• Series: Perspectives
• Publisher: B&H Academic
• Publication Date: 2011
• Pages: 208

Was the tithe just for Israel, or is it also applicable to Christians? Must a tithe go only to your local church, or can it be received by any Christian organization? Do we tithe on the net or the gross amount?

Perspectives on Tithing presents in point-counterpoint format the most common views about how Christians are to give of their financial resources, addressing the myriad of questions that surround the complex issue. Ken Hemphill (Empowering Kingdom Growth) and Bobby Eklund (Eklund Stewardship Ministries) contribute “The Foundations of Giving” while the book’s editor, David A. Croteau (Liberty University), writes “The Post-Tithing View: Giving in the New Covenant.” A chapter by Reggie Kidd (Reformed Theological Seminary) is called “Tithing in the New Covenant? ‘Yes’ as Principle, ‘No’ as Casuistry.” Finally, Gary North (Institute for Christian Economics) looks directly at "The Covenantal Tithe," and Scott Preissler (Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) provides the epilogue.

Perspectives on Your Child’s Education: Four Views

• Editor: Timothy Paul Jones
• Series: Perspectives
• Publisher: B&H Academic
• Publication Date: 2009
• Pages: 144

In Perspectives on a Child’s Education, proponents of four very different learning options present their faith-based positions on how a parent should answer the question, “Where should I send my child to school?” Troy Temple (International Center for Youth Ministry) is convinced every Christian parent should consider public schooling. G. Tyler Fischer (Veritas Academy) believes open admission Christian schools are best for Christians and non-Christians alike. Mark Eckel (Mahseh Center) favors covenantal Christian schools that don’t enroll non-Christians. Michael Wilder (Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) advocates homeschooling. For each contributor’s chapter, a counterpoint chapter from the other contributors follows with a goal of determining which view is most in line with what the Bible teaches.