The Evangelical Universalist Forum

Second Edition of Inescapable

A couple of days ago I learned that demonstration copies of the second edition of The Inescapable Love of God are in the process of being shipped to me. So, for those who have been writing and inquiring about when it will be available, it looks as if the long wait is almost over. Here is the latest information from Cascade Books, a division of Wipf and Stock, on its availability:

The Inescapable Love of God is ACTIVE and it will be available via:
W & S Customer Service: Immediately
Wipf and Stock: in 2 weeks
Amazon: in 6-8 weeks
Ingram: in 4 weeks

Although I am presently tied up with personal affairs, I hope to start a discussion soon on the whole issue of interpreting the Bible as a whole. Just what does this even mean, given the variety, the complexity, and the history of the various writings collected in it? Also, why is it that a simple farmer, so it seems to me, can sometimes read an English version of the Bible with greater spiritual insight than a first-rate scholar with expertise in the languages of the Bible and the historical background of its various documents? And finally, what inference should we draw from the fact that with respect to almost any major theological issue—the differences between Calvinists, Arminians, and universalists, for example—you can find first rate Bible scholars on both sides of the issue?

On a much lighter note, I thought I would here warn Cindy that on two or three occasions in the book I fall prey to one of her pet peeves; that is, I use the term “schizophrenic” in accordance with a long literary tradition that does not accord with contemporary psychiatric usage. Because a long-time friend of mine (who just recently died) battled schizophrenia for the better part of his life, I am well aware of how psychiatrists now use (or misuse?) this term. Indeed, a couple of decades ago a reviewer of a paper of mine suggested that I remove this term from the paper, which I refused to do. For as I pointed out at the time, the Latin literally means schizo (split) phrenia (mind), and the psychiatric condition now labeled as schizophrenia was formerly called “dementia praecox.” I saw no reason, therefore, why the more normal use of the term should be held hostage by an evolving technical use of the same term within a given profession.

I bring this up because Cindy and I seem unable to disagree on any important theological issue. So when she shared a while ago her pet peeve concerning a common use of the term “schizophrenic,” I thought to myself: “That’s great; we can at least disagree on a relatively trivial point of linguistic usage!” And for several months now, I have been waiting for an appropriate opportunity to explain my own view on the matter. Hee. Hee.

-Tom

Great news, been really looking forward to this. :slight_smile:

Great to hear from you, Tom. Looking forward to the discussion on reading the Bible!

And, as both a mental health professional and a lover of etymology, I enjoyed hearing your thoughts on the word “schizophrenia”.

A favorite website of mine, the Online Etymology Dictionary, has this to say:

schizophrenia (n.)
1912, from Modern Latin, literally “a splitting of the mind,” from German Schizophrenie, coined in 1910 by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler (1857-1939), from Greek skhizein “to split” (see schizo-) + phren (genitive phrenos) “diaphragm, heart, mind,” of unknown origin.

schizophrenic (adj.)
1912; see schizophrenia + -ic. Also from 1912 as a noun, “schizophrenic person.” Transferred adjectival sense of “contradictory, inconsistent” is by 1955.

10 copies are on their way to Tasmania, Australia! 1 for myself, 8 for friends who are interested in reading it & 1 spare for when, God willing, another door is opened :smiley:

Look forward to hearing your discussion on reading the Bible too.

AND THERE WAS GREAT WOOTAGE!

http://www.wargamer.com/forums/smiley/bagpipes.gifhttp://www.wargamer.com/forums/smiley/bagpipes.gifhttp://www.wargamer.com/forums/smiley/bagpipes.gifhttp://www.wargamer.com/forums/smiley/bagpipes.gifhttp://www.wargamer.com/forums/smiley/bagpipes.gif
http://www.wargamer.com/forums/smiley/bagpipes.gifhttp://www.wargamer.com/forums/smiley/bagpipes.gifhttp://www.wargamer.com/forums/smiley/bagpipes.gifhttp://www.wargamer.com/forums/smiley/bagpipes.gifhttp://www.wargamer.com/forums/smiley/bagpipes.gif

:laughing: :laughing: :laughing: Too funny, Tom. Alas, now that you’ve explained the etymology, I am in accord with you. Egads! :wink:

Delighted to hear you’ve just about got the checkered flag! Will you be putting it out in Kindle and other e-book formats too?

I’ve suggested:

Here’s that George Sarris video Alex mentioned, embedded for convenience:

Cindy Skillman asked:

My understanding, Cindy, is that Wipf and Stock will be putting out a kindle version of the book several months from now. Although the exact number of months now seems to escape me, my best recollection would be something like four to six months.

-Tom

Alex Smith wrote:

These are all very good ideas, Alex. But offhand, I’m not sure what is, and is not, legally permissible in this regard. It’s possible that Robin Parry would have a better understanding of this matter than I do.

Thanks for the suggestions.

-Tom

Audible only sponsors recordings of books that are in the public domain (not copyrighted), hence we have all GMac’s books (or nearly), but none of CS Lewis’ books. So, if Tom wanted inescapable to be recorded, that would be something he and his publisher would need to talk about and make happen. Sometimes the author reads his own book; sometimes a professional reader might be hired, or of course it’d be possible to have a competent friend/acquaintance volunteer to read it.

Same with Robin’s work. If Robin and his publisher agree, they have the rights to do that but no one who doesn’t hold the copyright on a non-public domain book is permitted to release an audio recording of it, even a free one.

I think that either Toms or Robin’s books would do very well in a sound recording. Some books don’t; for example, a book with many scripture references where the verses themselves aren’t printed out. At any rate, it’s something I’d definitely love to have, but it’s up to the authors and anyone else (publishers) who have some legal right to say what happens with the book.

Any chance on an e version of the book?

Chris, that was my question too. Tom says yes, but it will be a couple of months. His answer is up above my last post (somewhere) :wink:

I’m guessing then that the link in the OP which says it’s available in 2 weeks would be the quickest way to get the book? But what about the one that says the book is available immediately but there is no link?

I’m eagerly looking forward to that new chapter Predestination to Glory! Hopefully it will arrive ASAP and I can read it over Christmas break (being in grad school leaves this as the ideal time to read and think about non pharmacy material).

Thanks, I emailed Robin so hopefully he’ll take look when he’s back from the US conferences (ETS & SBL), although I know there’s another very exciting project on the go (I’ll try to find out when it’s going to be public knowledge) :smiley:

Thanks, Alex, for posting that information on the availability of the second edition. As indicated in your post, the book retails for $29.00. Such a relatively high price is the downside of a print on demand method of publishing. The upside is that the book never need go out of print and thus does not have to be a best seller to stay in print. But in any event, I just noticed that Wipf and Stock also offers the book on its web site at a lower web price of $23.50.

Here is the relevant URL, which also offers some additional information about the book including some endorsements:

wipfandstock.com/the-inescapable … f-god.html

Thanks again, Alex.

-Tom

My copy is out for delivery today according to Amazon. Can’t wait. I ordered it only a few days ago, so that was quick. :smiley:

Thanks for posting, Catharine! I didn’t know they even had it in yet – just ordered it – can’t wait! :smiley:

Excited 10 copies of “The Inescapable Love of God” 2nd ed just turned up! Must get them to friends eager for theirs! :smiley: