{"product_id":"friendship-the-heart-of-being-human-9781540960849","title":"Friendship: The Heart of Being Human","description":"\"A rare and wonderful theological book that turns something ordinary--being a friend--into an expression of God's greatness.\"--\u003cb\u003eJeremiah Rood\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003ci\u003eForeword \u003c\/i\u003e(starred review)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn this vibrant theological reflection on the meaning of friendship, experienced pastor and leading Christian ethicist Victor Lee Austin argues that friendship is the medium through which God shares grace with his creatures. Mixing personal reflection and theological commentary, Austin provides a fresh reading of classical writers and biblical texts; shows how a robust theology of friendship addresses contemporary controversies in the areas of marriage, celibacy, and homosexuality; and draws on cultural examples of the desire for true friendship. Ultimately, Austin helps readers understand the strange yet real possibility of friendship with God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Series\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePastors 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eVictor Lee Austin \u003c\/b\u003e(PhD, Fordham University), an Episcopal priest, is theologian-in-residence for the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas and Church of the Incarnation in Dallas, Texas. He has taught in various academic settings. His books include \u003ci\u003eLosing Susan\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eChristian Ethics: A Guide for the Perplexed\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003e \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eUp with Authority\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Baker Academic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50859070554386,"sku":"9781540960849","price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_6c278bc9-9630-44c2-8086-c185333d9733.jpg?v=1737549044","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/friendship-the-heart-of-being-human-9781540960849","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}