In the fall of 1994, Hendrik-Jan van Leusen, an acquisitions editor from Kluwer Academic Publishers, visited me in my home to discuss a proposal for a handbook in the philosophy of religion. He reported that he had been talking about this with philosophers of religion at several universities and that the response to the idea had been quite favorable. I suggested that given the dif ferent approaches to the philosophy of religion, it might be good for him to meet with philosophers representi...

Providing a concise overview of lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery energy storage systems (ESSs), this book also presents the full-scale fire testing of 100 kilowatt hour (kWh) Li-ion battery ESSs. It details a full-scale fire testing plan to perform an assessment of Li-ion battery ESS fire hazards, developed after a thorough technical study. It documents the results of the testing plan including external and internal ignition testing, ESS positioning, temperature and heat flux measurements, pre...

This SpringerBrief summarizes a full-scale, reduced commodity fire testing comparison of cartoned Lithium ion batteries and FM Global standard commodities in a rack storage configuration, as reported by FM Global. Tests evaluate the flammability characteristics of the materials and the effectiveness of ceiling level only sprinkler protection. The testing methods, discussed in depth, are scaled down from standard commodity classification testing due to the inordinate costs of Li-ion batteri...

This is a newly revised edition of one of the standard introductory preaching textbooks on the market today. Beginning with a solid theological basis, veteran preacher and best-selling author Thomas G. Long offers a practical, step-by-step guide to writing a sermon. Long centers his approach around the biblical concept of witness. To be a preacher, Long posits, is to be a witness to God's work in the worldone who sees before speaking, one whose task is to "tell the truth, the whole truth, ...

A straightforward treatment of the only existential issue that matters from the Christian perspective.In What Happens When We Die? Tom Long provides information about the promises and convictions of the Christian gospel concerning death and life after death. He surveys in simple terms the major themes surrounding death, dying, and hope for an afterlife.

Thomas Long begins this fascinating volume by describing how the Christian funeral developed historically, theologically, and liturgically, and then discusses recent cultural trends in funeral practices, including the rise in both cremations and memorial services. He describes the basic pattern for a funeral service, details options in funeral planning, identifies characteristics of a "good funeral," and provides thoughtful guidance for preaching at a funeral.Long also notes a dist...

Two of the most authoritative voices on the funeral industry come together here in one volume to discuss the current state of the funeral. Through their different lensesâ€"one as a preacher and one as a funeral directorâ€"Thomas G. Long and Thomas Lynch alternately discuss several challenges facing "the good funeral," including the commercial aspects that have led many to be suspicious of funeral directors, the sometimes tense relationship between pastors and funeral directors, the tendenc...

In Proclaiming the Parables, noted preacher and scholar Thomas G. Long moves away from past treatment of the parables primarily as literary devices and moves toward an emphasis on their theological impact as pointers to the kingdom of God. While the parables are indeed significant poetic literary creations that have enchanted readers over the centuries, their main power, he claims, lies in their disclosure of the kingdom of God, which is not merely an idea, nor ev...

Almost every congregation is experiencing tension over worship. Many congregations have been participating in a renaissance of worship known as the "liturgical movement" and have reclaimed worship forms that have served the church for centuries. Yet because the church today is operating in a radically changed cultural environment, many people in our society do not understand liturgical worship and thus we must find language, music, themes, and images that speak to the unchurched, spiritual...

In this compelling and hard-hitting book, respected preacher and teacher Thomas Long identifies and responds to what he sees as the most substantive theological forces and challenges facing preaching today. The issues, he says, are fourfold: the decline in the quality of narrative preaching and the need for its reinvigoration; the tendency of preachers to ignore God's action and presence in our midst; the return of the church's old nemesis, gnosticism--albeit in a milder form--evidenced in...

The six themes explored in the books of 1 and 2 Timothy enable us in the church today to hear the gospel as expressed to those early Christians. We need to concentrate on worship, be led by faithful leaders, stay strong i nthe faith, love God more than wealth, hear and live God's Word, and serve faithfully in the church. These themes can strengthen our lives of faith as well as the church's witness and service to Jesus Christ. This ovlume includes material for participants as well as outli...

In Proclaiming the Parables, noted preacher and scholar Thomas G. Long moves away from past treatment of the parables primarily as literary devices and moves toward an emphasis on their theological impact as pointers to the kingdom of God. While the parables are indeed significant poetic literary creations that have enchanted readers over the centuries, their main power, he claims, lies in their disclosure of the kingdom of God, which is not merely an idea, nor ev...