Birth

Description

The Mystery of Being Born \n \nDescription \n \nThis volume explores the connections between our own birth, the experience of having children, and the new birth of the Christian life. Seasoned pastor James Howell offers theological perspectives on a variety of themes associated with birth, such as who we are in light of having once lived in utero, why people might have children, infertility, adoption, baptism, and how to make sense of it all in light of God coming to us first in Mary's womb and then as an infant. The book includes paintings, photos, and drawings. \n \nAbout the Series \nPastors are called to help people navigate the profound mysteries of being human, from birth to death and everything in between. This series, edited by leading pastoral theologian Jason Byassee, provides pastors and pastors-in-training with rich theological reflection on the various seasons that make up a human life, helping them minister with greater wisdom and joy. \n \nContents \n \nSeries Preface \nIntroduction \nPart 1: Our Mysterious Beginning \n1. In My Mother's Womb \n2. My Birthday \n3. Unchosenness and Being Chosen \nPart 2: Jesus's Birth and Early Life \n4. Mary, Mother of Our Lord \n5. The Birth of Jesus \n6. Jesus's First Days \nPart 3: The Complexities of Conception and Raising Children \n7. Why Have Children? \n8. Having Children \n9. The First Days after Birth \n10. Infertility and Medicine \n11. When Medicine Fails \nPart 4: Our New Birth \n12. Adoption \n13. Remember Your Baptism \n14. You Must Be Born Again \nEpilogue \nIndex \n \nAuthor \n \nJames C. Howell (PhD, Duke University) is senior pastor of Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, and has nearly four decades of experience in parish ministry. He speaks frequently around the country and is an adjunct professor of preaching at Duke Divinity School. Howell has written numerous books, including Weak Enough to Lead: What the Bible Tells Us about Powerful Leadership and What Does the Lord Require? Doing Justice, Loving Kindness, Walking Humbly.