Corruption poses a significant threat, impacting public health, safety, and access to essential services, particularly for the world's poorest. The book highlights the staggering financial implications, with over a trillion dollars lost to corrupt practices annually, and emphasizes the urgent need to combat corruption to alleviate extreme poverty. It offers a comprehensive overview of corruption's various forms and effects, supported by over a hundred examples from German-speaking countries and around the globe, advocating for collective action against this pervasive issue.
The evolving role of fathers in contemporary society is explored, highlighting the shift away from traditional expectations and the lack of defined cultural or educational guidelines. This change presents both challenges and opportunities. The author encourages committed fathers to embrace this freedom, emphasizing the potential for positive involvement in their children's development and fostering strong relationships with their partners, enriched by the differences between genders.
Corruption is neither a private problem nor a peccadillo. Corruption can be deadly, for instance if poor quality parts are installed in planes, if development funds for the hungry are diverted for private use, or if the drinking water supply is overpriced due to corruption and as a result the poor can not afford it. Corruption affects everyone, or at least a great many, even if they do not usually immediately notice or know it. Everyone is affected, but the poorest of the poor worldwide are the most affected, for example when crucial funds are lacking for drinking water or medical care. The World Bank estimates that more than a trillion dollars flow into corrupt channels every year. Eradicating the most extreme poverty (people living on less than $1.25 a day) would cost an estimated $60 billion a year. In large-scale industrial projects, even within Germany, Austria and Switzerland, there is a rumour that 3 percent of the contract value is bribe money. International managers assume that corruption increases project costs by an average of 10 percent, but it might well be as high as 25 percent. This book gives a global overview on corruption, describes its different forms and effects and argues how and why corruption should be combatted by all means. It includes more than a hundred of brief examples of corruption from the German speaking countries as well as worldwide.
The book explores the life and influence of Martin Bucer, a key figure in the 16th-century Reformation who sought to unite various Christian factions through Scripture. Unlike Luther and Calvin, Bucer did not establish a separate denomination, instead advocating for common ground amidst the growing fragmentation of Christianity. His efforts to reconcile differing beliefs and promote unity make him a relevant model for contemporary Evangelicals, who now navigate similar divides across denominations and theological perspectives.
Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher's new book offers a clear and logical exploration of contemporary questions faced by both religious and nonreligious individuals. It encourages readers to engage with current events alongside biblical texts, providing fresh perspectives on navigating modern challenges. The work aims to deepen understanding of what it means to live in today's complex world, making it a valuable resource for those seeking insight amid societal changes.
Exploring the concept of God as the original missionary, this book delves into the divine purpose of spreading faith and love. It emphasizes the idea that God's actions throughout history serve as a model for modern missionary work. By examining biblical narratives and theological insights, the text encourages readers to understand their role in continuing this mission. Themes of compassion, outreach, and the transformative power of faith are central, inspiring individuals to engage actively in sharing their beliefs and serving others.
Exploring the distinct origins, styles, and messages of the Bible and the Koran, this study delves into how these texts have shaped world history and continue to influence millions. It focuses on the varying interpretations of Holy Scripture as 'God's Word,' highlighting how these differences contribute to the broader religious divide. Additionally, the book addresses the issue of fundamentalism within both religions, offering insights into the complexities of belief and interpretation that define each faith.
Exploring the concept of Missio Dei, this book emphasizes the biblical foundation of God's mission throughout salvation history. It argues that God initiated mission after creation, with Jesus embodying the ultimate missionary role and the Holy Spirit exemplifying successful mission. The text highlights that mission is intrinsic to God's nature, advocating for a holistic understanding that aligns human mission with divine intent, ultimately transforming how we perceive and engage in mission work.
The book explores the critical distinctions between guilt-oriented and shame-oriented cultures, emphasizing their implications for theology, missionary work, education, ethics, and counseling. It argues that the stark contrast between these cultural orientations is not fully aligned with Biblical teachings or Reformation traditions, which have historically incorporated aspects of shame. By highlighting these differences, the work challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of sin and reconciliation in the context of diverse cultural perspectives within Christianity.
This history of indulgences and purgatory has established itself as a standard summary of the history of the theological development in stages leading to the full orbed view of the 15th century and a praxis that led to split the church. The author follows the further history through the centuries through to the major changes made after the Second Vatican Council. Even though the last chapter of the book contains a detailed Protestant and Orthodox criticism of the dogmatic foundations of indulgences, the book is seen as a fair contribution by many reviewers and has earned the approval of Catholic theologians, who regret, that the planed abolition of indulgences by the Second Vatican Council did not take place finally. Book jacket.
