BOOKS

BOOKS

BOOKS

BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS

THE AESTHETICS OF ATHEISM

To really understand God, you have to understand atheism.

  • Atheism and Christianity are often placed at polar opposite ends of a spectrum, forever in stark conflict with each other. In The Aesthetics of Atheism, Kutter Callaway and Barry Taylor propose a radical alternative: atheism and theism need each other. In fact, atheism offers profound and necessary theological insights into the heart of Christianity itself. To get at these truths, Callaway and Taylor dive into the aesthetic dimensions of atheism, using everything from Stranger Things to Damien Hirst's controversial sculptures to the music of David Bowie, Nick Cave, and Leonard Cohen. This journey through contemporary culture and its imagination offers readers a deeper understanding of theology, culture, and how to engage faith in a chaotic and complex world where God is present in the most unexpected place: atheism.

DEEP FOCUS: FILM AND THEOLOGY IN DIALOGUE

With Robert K. Johnston and Craig Detweiler

  • Three media experts guide the serious Christian moviegoer into a theological conversation with movies in this up-to-date, readable introduction to Christian theology and film. Building on the success of Robert Johnston's Reel Spirituality, the leading textbook in the field for the past 17 years, Deep Focus helps film lovers not only watch movies critically and theologically but also see beneath the surface of their moving images. The book discusses a wide variety of classic and contemporary films and is illustrated with film stills from favorite movies.

Theology for Psychology and Counseling

An Invitation to Holistic Christian Practice

  • This book winsomely explores the significance of theology and the Christian faith for the practice of psychology. The authors demonstrate how psychology and the Christian faith can be brought together in a mutually enriching lived practice, helping students engage in psychology in a theologically informed way. Each chapter includes introductory takeaways, questions for reflection and discussion, and resources for further study and reading.

Techno-Sapiens in a Networked Era

Becoming Digital Neighbors

  • Techno-Sapiens gathers together leading scholars of technology, theology, and religion in order to explore the ways in which modern technology is neither solely a dehumanizing force in the world nor a mere instrument for evangelizing the world, but rather the very means by which incarnation happens--the media in and through which humans love the (digital) other. The essays explore the question of how technology encourages and/or inhibits the human capacity to love our neighbor through asking the following questions: Who is my (digital) neighbor? How does social media in particular allow us to love our (digital) neighbor? How does one become a (digital) neighbor?

Breaking the Marriage Idol

Reconstructing Our Cultural and Spiritual Norms

  • "In Breaking the Marriage Idol Kutter Callaway has tread where few have gone before. What Kutter has done for us is offer a balanced, thoughtful, and theological exploration of culturally difficult, if not ecclesially taboo issues, that many in our culture and our churches live through every day. I have known Dr. Callaway for many years, and there are few in pastoral ministry or the academy who I respect more. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for every Christian who is willing to invite God into real life. Not because we all will agree, but because we all had better join the conversation."

    -Chap Clark, professor of practical theology and youth, family, and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary, author of Hurt 2.0: Inside the World of Today's Teenagers

    —

    "Kutter's right. Churches' marriage promise and allure of happily ever after has cast many into a subclass existence. He carefully confronts Christians' assumptions about singleness, marriage, community, and personhood and leads us toward a helpful direction that is good news for singles, marrieds, young, and old. Kutter is being more than a relevant theologian. He is a culturally in tune thinker that possesses the unique ability to reorient our categories of the popular and religious, the relevant and traditional, sacred and secular. This book bridges the gaps for needed conversations that can help us escape the binary, anemic, and often hurtful views that keep, especially those in our faith communities, from having generative conversations. Whatever you do, do not read this book alone. Read it with your partner, your friends, your community. Let it lead you into better conversations about faith, love, sex, singleness, marriage, and community. We all know we need them."

    -Steven Argue, assistant professor of youth, family, and culture, applied research strategist at Fuller Youth Institute, Fuller Theological Seminary

    —

    "Kutter Callaway has written and assembled a rich tool for reflection on marriage and relationships in today's milieu. Its honest, provocative, and savvy engagement, combined with biblical and theological considerations, makes it a strong resource. Some of the additional voices—especially Joshua Beckett's—make it that much richer."

    -Mark Labberton, president of Fuller Theological Seminary

    —

    "I've been waiting for someone to write a book like this: a culturally astute, refreshingly iconoclastic critique of evangelical Christianity's marriage myopia. Beyond the shattered remnants of the marriage idol, singleness and marriage emerge as equally and uniquely beautiful vocations within which followers of Christ can steward our sexualities. I'm eager for you to read this book. I'm even more eager for you to believe it."

    -Gregory Coles, author of Single, Gay, Christian

watching tv religiously

Television and Theology in Dialogue

  • Since its inception, television has captured the cultural imagination. Outside of work and sleep, it is now the primary preoccupation of most Americans. Individuals consume upward of five hours of TV daily, even more when taking into account viewing done online and on mobile devices. TV is so ingrained in the fabric of everyday life that it can't help but function as one of the primary means through which we make sense of our lives and the world.

    This book shows that television--as a technology, a narrative art form, a commodity, and a portal for our ritual lives--confronts viewers theologically. Whether its content is explicitly spiritual or not, TV routinely invites (and sometimes demands) theological reflection. This book articulates something of the presence and activity of God in the golden age of TV and forges an appropriate response to an ever-changing cultural form. It constructs a theology of television that allows for both celebration and critique, helping Christians more fully understand and appreciate the power and meaning of TV. A supplemental website provides additional resources, conversations, and close readings of TV programs.

Scoring Transcendence

Contemporary Film Music as Religious Experience

  • ...a welcome advancement in studies pertaining to the Christian faith and the arts. It is clearly written, insightful, interesting, controversial at points, and trendsetting for further discussions.

    -- Jeremy Evans, Wake Forest ― Southeastern Theological Review

    Adding its voice to the choir, Scoring Transcendence charts a new way forward for music in the field of film and religion, providing a coherent paradigm that elevates film music to its rightful place next to the images.

    -- Carl Laamanen ― Music, Sound and the Moving Image Journal

    Scoring Transcendence stands as a benchmark for theology's involvement with cinema. It's spirited, and every page evokes an enthusiasm for cinema and theological criticism that readers are sure to find stimulating... Callaway's work could very well be the decisive text that brings theological film criticism into the fold of contemporary film scholarship.

    -- Brandon Konecny ― Film International

    … an important contribution to Christian theological approaches to film.

    ― Choice --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

The Cactus and Armadillo

A Prickly Tale about Finding and Keeping Friends

  • What does it mean to become a friend? And how do you go about making one?

    There are times when even grown-ups find friendships hard to figure out. Here's why the trouble is worth it: being someone's friend can teach us so many things about respect, sharing, communication, how to ask permission, how to give or ask for help, and how to set up proper relationship boundaries.

    However, equipping your kids with social skills won't always be easy. And there are many valid, potential reasons for the progress to be slow. Perhaps your child's classmates don't share the same interests, skills, or sense of humor. Maybe your child is too preoccupied by changes in their body, at home, or at school.

    Whatever the reason, if you feel your child is late to making friends, it isn't always a cause for alarm. They might just need a little encouragement or a push in the right direction toward people who will help them grow, evolve, and navigate a social world.

    If your child is apprehensive about meeting new people, try and inspire them with this stirring, heartwarming kids book, The Cactus and Armadillo: A Prickly Tale About Finding and Keeping Friends.

    The story starts with Cactus: a friendly social plant who loves to give hugs. All he wants to do is spread the love! But everyone he's ever met has always run away, scared of his sharp, prickly, and sometimes painful thorns.

    Meanwhile, not too far away, timid Armadillo is often too shy to approach and introduce himself to new people. He always tries his best, but it's easy for him to run out of courage. And whenever that happens, he ends up hiding behind his thick, impenetrable wall. If these two have to have one thing in common, it's that both of them badly need a friend. Will Cactus' optimism and sunny disposition be enough to break shy Armadillo out of his shell?

    This uplifting narrative tells the story of two brave friends who found each other in the unlikeliest of places. Even though it was hard to find people who could accept them for who they were, neither Cactus nor Armadillo gave up his identity or surrendered and gave in to the sadness or the fear. Instead, they stood their ground, accepted what made them unique and kept pushing themselves until the day they would be rewarded with a lifelong companion to be with through thick and thin.

    By inspiring children to dream big and believe in the true power of friendship, this friends book could help provide children with the insights they need to practice patience, perseverance, self-love, and self-compassion. There's nothing wrong with being different. And if you stick it out, someday, you'll meet people who will love you for being you.

The pink elephant

A Fabulous Fable about a Tiny Trunk That Grew into a Family Tradition

  • " Joy was made to be shared, and no matter how much you give away you can never run out."

    Looking for a picture book or Read-A-Long book for grandparents and grandkids to enjoy?

    Kids love it when their grandparents come to visit. Grandmas and grandpas often shower their little ones with sweet hugs, kisses, and love, making them a joy to be with. They also bring gifts and delicious treats for their favorite kids, along with funny stories that make quality time extra special. Because of this, it’s no surprise why kids are always elated when their grandparents come over or when they visit grandma’s home.

    Since they’re not always present or don’t live nearby, time spent with grandparents is often precious and should be spent well. One of the most rewarding activities for a grandparent and a grandchild is reading a book together. Illustrations and art in a book also help boost creativity and imagination, which are important for a child’s development. Wouldn’t it be nice if grandmas and grandpas could read a fun book that engages their grandkids while teaching them an essential life lesson?

    Go on a sweet adventure in this silly yet heartwarming book, The Pink Elephant!

    Happiness tastes like your favorite sweet–and candies are always best enjoyed when shared with a loved one! In this kids books , perfect for ages 3-5 to use the read with me function or over the ages of 4-6, for grandparents and grandchildren, author Kutter Callaway takes his readers to a fantastical place, tucked away atop grandpa and grandma’s shelf. It’s a factory of small pink elephants who create an unlimited supply of delicious treats. There’s only one problem…none of them ever get shared with the kids!

    And that’s simply unacceptable to elephant and candy maker extraordinaire, Mitsy. With her magic trunk and big heart, Mitsy takes us on journey of learning how to spread joy. Celebrating the value of sharing, this delightful children’s book is a fun read for kids and adults. It teaches children that the best things in life–like candy!–are made even better when shared.

    With bright, energetic illustrations, readers will be enchanted by this charming book. Designed by the author’s sister, Kamdon Callaway, this book’s pages are splashed with pink of all shades, from delicate blush hues to bold bubblegum colors! The vibrant images and fun characters will surely tickle your grandchild’s imagination. Every page is an adventure that’s overflowing with gorgeous artwork and scrumptious candies. Grab a pack of your little one’s favorite snack and settle down for a sweet story time!

    As sweet as the sugary treats that fill its pages, Mitsy’s tale of tiny things will give grandparents a golden moment with their grandkids. Grandmothers and grandfathers can read and show this adorable picture book to their little ones whenever they come to visit or when they’re babysitting. Need some ideas

    on what to do with the grandpa or how to babysit a grandma ? Do your kids like to read in a treehouse or on the Bus? This kids book will be a perfect addition to your family camp / family reunion that the entire cousin crew will love! How about grandparents gifts? The Pink Elephant also makes a wonderful present for nana and pappy during Grandparent’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving, baby shower parties, or any special occasion. Sprinkle some fairy dust on a new grandma with a cute story about a baby elephant. Grandpa gifts and Grandma gifts are sometimes hard to find! Nothing will be sweeter than their smiles as they read this book and spend quality time with their grandchildren!

    Here are more reasons to add this wonderful magic picture book to your little one’s library:

    No matter the name, Grandma, Gigi, Mimi, Granny, Pop, Papa Grandmother, Grammy, or Poppa, they will love this sweet story. Add The Pink Elephant to your cart !