Richard Robert Osmer Knihy

This groundbreaking book draws together an international team of practical theologians and researchers from around the world to explore the relationship between adolescence, religion, and globalization. Research is reported on young people in Japan, Russia, Germany, India, Argentina, Paraguay, Ghana, and the United States. Critical, normative, and practical proposals are offered, taking concrete shape in case studies of good practice. The book fills a gaping hole in the current literature on adolescence and the impact of globalization on their religious lives. This project was sponsored by the Institute for Youth Ministry, Princeton Theological Seminary.

Moving beyond conversionism Many Christians today are uncomfortable with older, simpler notions about evangelism as conversionism but see as insufficient the more progressive model of evangelism as hospitality. Transcending that dichotomy, Richard Osmer advances a theology of evangelism as a multifaceted act of invitation into Christ-following community. Osmer begins by exploring references to evangelism in the New Testament--both in the Gospels and in the letters of Paul. He then enters into dialogue with Karl Barth to work through ideas of church witness and the relationship of evangelism to salvation. Finally, with lucid explanations and illustrative case studies, he offers guidance for pastors, laity, and students to use as they reimagine how evangelism might best happen in their churches and missional organizations. Osmer's approach mirrors the conviction, stated in his introduction, that our concept of evangelism must be formed and constantly reformed by keeping the Bible, church doctrine, and practical theology in conversation. Foundational to Osmer's rendering of evangelism as invitation is the essential truth that it is Christ and the Holy Spirit who calls converts and makes disciples--not Christians. Thus, we can invite our neighbors to the wedding feast while remaining reassured that the table is already set.

Gives historical background and develops a practical theology of the teaching ministry for contemporary communities of faith. This book explores the importance of the teaching ministry of the apostle Paul and his congregations, arguing that three teaching practices can be detected in his letters: catechesis, exhortation, and discernment.

Every church congregation encounters challenging situations, some the same the world over, and others specific to each church. Richard Osmer here seeks to teach congregational leaders -- including, but not limited to, clergy -- the requisite knowledge and skills to meet such situations with sensitivity and creativity.Osmer develops a framework for practical theological interpretation in congregations by focusing on four key   What is going on in a given context? Why is this going on? What ought to be going on?  and  How might the leader shape the context to better embody Christian witness and mission?The book is unique in its attention to interdisciplinary issues and the ways that theological reflection is grounded in the spirituality of leaders. Useful, accessible, and lively -- with lots of specific examples and case studies -- Osmer‘s  Practical Theology  effectively equips congregational leaders to guide their communities with theological integrity. 

While major strides are being made to improve religious education in churches nationwide, much can be learned by looking at the subject from a global perspective. "Religious Education between Modernization and Globalization" is a first -- and very significant -- effort to reap the benefits of sharing educational successes and challenges between countries, in this case the United States and Germany. Featuring a unique comparative approach to religious education, the book first explores the importance of studying the styles and methods of religious education within differing social contexts, and it presents modernization, globalization, and postmodernism as key frameworks for such research. Next, central figures and texts in twentieth-century religious education in both Germany and the United States are examined and compared. The last section of the book points out the challenges facing religious education in the new millennium and offers constructive proposals that will interest not only Protestants and Catholics but also members of Jewish, Muslim, and other faith communities.