Academic

[close] The modern apologetic enterprise, according to Myron Penner, is no longer valid. It tends toward an unbiblical and unchristian form of Christian witness and does not have the ability to attest truthfully to Christ in our postmodern context. In fact, Christians need an entirely new way of conceiving the apologetic task.

This provocative text critiques modern apologetic efforts and offers a concept of faithful Christian witness that is characterized by love and grounded in God's revelation. Penner seeks to reorient the discussion of Christian belief, change a well-entrenched vocabulary that no longer works, and contextualize the enterprise of apologetics for a postmodern generation.

[close]

[close] Churches across the Western world have become increasingly fragmented and marginalized, often struggling to survive. Here Eddie Gibbs, a bestselling author and veteran church and culture expert, addresses the challenges of re-imagining the church in a post-Christian world. He gleans critical biblical insights from the early church's experience to help contemporary leaders and churches minister more effectively.

Gibbs compares and contrasts the social and cultural context of the twenty-first century with the first century, exploring what can be learned about the birthing of churches in the book of Acts and in Paul's letters. He identifies the issues Paul faced in order to sustain a movement growing exponentially and considers what lessons might be learned in addressing current challenges in the church. The book examines vital issues not only for the survival of the church but also for its revitalization and rebirth, and provides direction for local churches on becoming agents of mission.

[close]

[close] Faith, Hope, Boots...

When Paul Keppel learns that his fanatical, fire-and-brimstone-preaching grandfather is dying from brain cancer, he sees his own chronic headaches as a sign from above that he too has a very short time to live. Driven by pain, a nightmare about work boots, and a sense of impending doom, Paul soon finds himself losing control over his words and actions, to disastrous and comical effect. In order to save his marriage, avenge his sister, and preserve his sanity, he must face the memory of the summer when he was twenty-one, when a tragic steel plant accident sent his life spinning off course. But in the process, Paul begins to suspect that the history he has written in his head may not be as accurate as he once believed.

What readers are saying:

“...a novel of grit and beauty.... A History of Stone and Steel deserves a place on any bookshelf.”
—Clint McCown, author of The Weatherman, War Memorials, and Haints (winner of the 2013 Midwest Independent Publishers Award for Literary Fiction)

“The storytelling here—the ingenious and absorbing lacing of past and present—is irresistible.”
—Lewis Robinson, author of Officer Friendly and Water Dogs

“Christopher Fisher has forged a novel that is as gritty and robust as the steel mill he so beautifully depicts.... Rendered with humor, grace, and wit, A History of Stone and Steel is a terrific debut.”
—Brad Barkley, author of Money, Love and Dream Factory

“Every character here is true and vital; they pounce from the page.... The voice is propulsive, witty, and dead on.... Ultimately, this novel restores FAITH in the brutal world in which it is set.”
—Joan Connor, author of History Lessons and How to Stop Loving Someone

“Fisher’s ultimately heartwarming debut searches for a God greater than mammon and damn if it doesn’t come close to finding it. The journey through this story of Oklahoma steel, familial legacy, floundering marriage, and too-loud wandering cows is utterly unforgettable.”
—Jeff Kass, author of Knuckleheads (Independent Publishers’ Best Short Fiction Collection of 2011)

“Fisher’s taut prose and luminous storytelling make A History of Stone and Steel an impressive and powerful debut.”
—J. Mark Bertrand, author of Nothing to Hide

“An engaging debut novel told with the voice of a seasoned storyteller.” —Rich Silvers, author of Have You Seen Her

[close]