David Rankin

Aaron, an eighteen-year-old orphan, discovers that he has supernatural powers and that he is to be a liason between the good and evil powers.

Was Tertullian of Cathage a schismatic? How did he view the church and its bishops? How did he understand the exercise of authority within the church? In this study David Rankin sets the writings of Tertullian in the context of the early third century church and the developments it was undergoing in relation to both its structures and its self-understanding. He then discusses Tertullian's own theology of the church, his imagery and his perception of church office and ministry. Tertullian maintained throughout his career a high view of the church, and this in part constituted the motivation for his vitriolic attacks on the church's hierarchy after he had joined the New Prophecy movement. His contribution to the development of the church has often been misunderstood, and this thorough exploration provides a timely reassessment of its nature and importance.

How have the momentous events of the early 21st century affected the millennial generation s political awareness and action? What accounts for the widespread youth mobilization in support of Barack Obama during the 2008 elections? How do millennials differ from past generations in the ways that they engage in politics? Addressing these questions, David Rankin goes beyond the impact of political and cultural trends to focus on the role of higher education in connecting political interest, knowledge, and participation. Rankin draws on rich data spanning the years 2000-2010 to offer unique insights on the millennial cohort s civic life. He also explores the implications of those insights for political learning. His book is an invaluable contribution to our understanding of the nature and impact of generational differences in the political realm.

"From Clement to Origen addresses the engagement of a number of pre-Nicene Church Fathers with the surrounding culture. David Rankin considers the historical and social context of the Fathers, grouped in cities and regions, their writings and theological reflections, and discusses how the particular engagement of each with major aspects of the surrounding culture influences, informs and shapes their thought and the articulation of that thought."--BOOK JACKET.