Reinterpreting the Bible through Family Systems Theory, this fascinating exploration shows how the theology of creation, restoration, and salvation can be meaningfully and uniquely understood through the lens of the biblical family.
It is not possible to recreate a "biblical" family in the modern world. Thus, we must think of the principles of faithful family life demonstrated in the Bible and express them in a new way. That is the idea underlying Families of the Bible: A New Perspective. Examining themes related to family health, connection, spirituality, and psychology, the author relates stories from the Bible to modern-day experience in an effort to help readers strengthen and heal their own families, whatever their structure.
While the book addresses the family of the patriarchs and other major traditional families in the Bible, it also specifically examines Jesus's new definition of family, showing how his psycho-spiritual family has a different―and more inclusive―shape than the "natural family." The author, who is an Episcopal priest, insists that the Bible shows God as faithful in providing for his people. The many disadvantaged in our society, as well as those who are alone and those who have found that wealth does not provide satisfaction, will benefit from this thoughtful reinterpretation.
 • Uses family systems theory in a way that will be accessible for the layperson, as well as scholars and clergy 
• Includes genograms and other family diagrams
• Offers original interpretations of family stories throughout
• Cites specific biblical examples
• Includes an appendix demonstrating the use of Family Systems Theory as hermeneutic

Families of the Bible: A New Perspective (Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality)

Religion & Spirituality

Blessing, Kamila

Christian Books & Bibles

Praeger

In her opening chapter, Blessing unfolds her compelling personal experiences with prayer and healing and sets forth a solid biblical understanding of salvation as total healing and wholeness. She concludes her introduction with the words, "There is no doubt Jesus did heal; there is no doubt that he commissioned his followers to do the same; there is also no doubt that you are invited to ask for healing." Each successive chapter brings that experience of salvation into today's world. Drawing from her years as a pastor and therapist, she narrates marvelous stories of how God is bringing healing miracles to her life and to the lives of persons she encounters. At the end of each chapter, Blessing suggests ways readers can seek God's healing power for their own lives.

It Was a Miracle

Fortress Press

Speak Ye First the Kingdom is one part Susan Howatch novel, one part minister's manual and one part fundraising resource, with generous sprinklings of 20th century history from the viewpoint of an intriguing family, church maneuvering and theology thrown in. Kamila Blessing narrates her journey into the abundance of God within communities of faith that want to know this abundance but often serve as their own worst enemy. Her escapades, wounds and triumphs captivate the reader, whether lay or clergy, and before they know it, BOOM comes the spiritual insight and practical next steps. This work incorporates Kamila's many life experiences, academic interests and encounters with God into a rich and complex story of learning to trust God for all things, then leading others to do the same. Each chapter ends with a Prayer Starter to send us into our own journey into abundance. Readers will find themselves rereading entire chapters as if savoring a dense and flavorful dessert. Groups that read this book together will find much to discuss. Kamila Blessing has been an Episcopal priest for 27 years and served more than a dozen denominations as teacher, consultant, mediator, and editor of Christian Education materials. She has shepherded more than 20 congregations toward increased giving based upon the spiritual growth of the congregation-sometimes more than doubling the funding base of the church. She believes people will not give unless they feel fulfilled and nurtured by family, church, and above all, the love of God. Also important is the analysis of communication patterns (seen and unseen) in which the life of the church is really lived. Blessing often says that if she preaches only the love of God for all people for her entire pastorate, it will be the work of a lifetime. It is important to Blessing to stand explicitly for traditional Christianity, and let the members reason out for themselves whether they should believe, but in the face of one who does.

Speak Ye First the Kingdom: A Mainline Pastor's Journey into Abundance

Dog Ear Publishing

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Blessing, Kamila. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Blessing, Kamila

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Blessing, Kamila. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Families of the Bible: A New Perspective (Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality)

It Was a Miracle

Speak Ye First the Kingdom: A Mainline Pastor's Journey into Abundance