Board of Social Witness - Congregational Support Services
Social Issues and Resources
Our Social Issues and Resources Committee provides authoritative guidance on complex social and ethical issues offering informed and Biblical opinion and advice. Pamphlets, Bible study aids on social issues and videos are available. Topics include childlessness, homosexuality, domestic violence, abortion, euthanasia, eating disorders and suicide. May we think with the mind of Christ that we may be like Christ.
Manhood
"In recent years the traditional dominance of society by men has been challenged. While the move towards equality for men and women is to be welcomed, sometimes men have felt unsure of their new role and the advancement of women has been perceived as a 'zero sum game' in which gains by women are perceived as losses by men... Against this background it is imperative that the Church teaches and encourages men to live an authentic maleness." This study guide helps us to look Biblically at 'A Man in Society'; 'A Man in the Family'; and 'A Man in Christ'.
The Family
"Don't go Daddy, we love you. Mummy loves you!" Words echoed all too often in our society in a day when the traditional structures of the family are increasingly under threat. "If as Christians our final authority is God, not the prevailing culture, then it is important to know what He says in the Bible on the question - "What is the family?"
This study gives some discussion starters, explores the Biblical material, looking at some pastoral issues and makes seven Affirmations and Recommendations.
Homosexuality
The recent controversy over the consecration of the first practising gay bishop by the Anglican Church in the USA and even the series of letters to the Presbyterian Herald shows that "One of the most pressing and divisive issues facing the Christian Church today is that of the Christian attitude to homosexuality."
This study guide establishes some definitions, explores the much debated and often reinterpreted Biblical material and makes seven Affirmations and Recommendations.
Disability
"Many disabled people seem to go through life excluded from so many experiences and opportunities that others take for granted... No-one likes to admit to treating disabled people as inferior or second class, yet the way we behave towards them can give them that message. This Bible study guide is to help examine our attitudes towards disability and those affected by it and to examine the guidance provided for us in the Scriptures."
This study covers - the relevance of the Christian's faith to disability, examining Scripture passages and gives a summary of relevant points.
Coping with Childlessness
"The vast majority of us long to have children and for a married couple to be told this may not be possible can be very painful. This booklet offers a Biblical response that will be helpful for couples struggling with childlessness and for ministers, carers and others offering advice and counsel."
The booklet looks at the issues of Involuntary Childlessness, Biblical Perspectives on Childlessness, a Christian Perspective on New Reproductive Technologies, and Adoption and Fostering.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are addictive patterns of behaviour where the person uses food or starvation to control feelings.
Anorexia is a form of starvation. People use it as a way of trying to get control of life, but it has damaging results.
Bulimia involves eating large amounts of food, then purging-a way of trying to cope.
Compulsive eating refers to an addiction to food-the same way as an alcoholic is addicted to alcohol.
Support is available for sufferers and their families. Please contact us for more information.
HIV and AIDS
"Not all HIV infections are transmitted through sexual intercourse, yet most are. Over 70% of HIV infections are among heterosexuals, and many are outside of marriage. In view of this, preventive education is vital among young people who are among the most vulnerable groups."
This booklet emphasises the importance of educating young people about the potential dangers of pre-marital, unprotected sex and illicit drug use.
"A better understanding of HIV and AIDS cannot be achieved without getting to know the people most affected! In this way out ultimate role model teaches us that love can be shown IN our teaching and training, (education) while love itself IS an education (care)... Faith with works." (I John 3.18).
The study guides are available from the Board of Social Witness Office in Church House at a cost of £1 per copy and will soon be available on the website. Also available are 'in-house' articles on: Abortion; Carers; Child Abuse; Childcare; Cloning; Co-habitation; Contraception; Divorce; Domestic Violence; Elderly; Euthanasia; Gambling; Genetic Engineering; HIV and AIDS; Homelessness Human Rights; Infertility; Mental Incapacity; Poverty; Sectarianism; Sexuality; Suicide; Sunday Trading; Unemployment
Recommended Books
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Gender and Grace: |
Sexual identity lies at the core of the crucial we all ask of life. Yet today those questions are harder to answer. Traditions about 'real men' and the 'women's place' have been challenged. Scientists debate what nature actually dictates for male and female. And theologians engage in heated controversy over what the Bible really says about female submission and male headship. In this sane yet provocative book, and informed social scientist and committed Christian thinker braves a jungle of confusion to offer unusual insight on the part genes, culture and faith play in making us the men and women we are - and ought to become. |
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Fathers and Sons: |
After three decades of feminist influence, isn't it time for a ceasefire? Or are men as a group still too privileged and powerful in comparison to women? In this wide-ranging discussion of love, work and parenting n the changing world, Mary Stewart van Leeuwen helps readers to understand some of the forces with which men as well as women are called to make responsible and just decisions about gender relations as God's stewards and regents on earth. "A timely and thorough presentation of some key issues in gender relationships seen from a Christian viewpoint" Elaine Storkey. |
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The Moral Leader |
In this inspiring discussion with ethicist Andrew Goddard, the Anglican Bishop of Liverpool, James Jones explores key questions such as the role played by the media and whether the public have a right to know about the private lives of their leaders. He argues for a high level of integrity in a culture of forgiveness, and for community renewal as the only authentic context for leadership. All this he argues for a deeply held conviction that Jesus, full of grace and truth, is the model for all moral leadership. "James Jones has, through rigorous intellect and inspirational leadership, contributed not only to the growth , strength and ideas with in our church and our faith, but also significantly, to practical action that makes a real difference to people's lives." Paul Boateng MP |
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Clones: |
Writing from the perspective of a Christian biologist an anatomist, Dr Gareth Jones explores biomedical manipulation with specific reference to therapeutic cloning (or somatic cell nuclear transfer) plus stem cell technology and the human genome project. He follows the developments leading up to cloning, and assesses the arguments used against the various forms of cloning, including the arguments of Christians. |
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The heart of success: |
Jack's father was one of the most successful entrepreneurs of his time - the only problem was that the old man had not time, no friends, and died early. The prospect of following in the family tradition seems less than appealing to Jack but on the first day of his MBA he meets a retired professor who offers him a class that isn't exactly on the curriculum: How to Make it in Business Without Losing in Life. Over a series of memorable evenings the professor shares with Jack seven laws that allow companies to flourish and create a success for individuals that's worth having. |
© Presbyterian Church in Ireland. info@presbyterianireland.org Information correct at time of upload.