FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CANTONMENT, FL – May 28, 2026 – As the 2026 midterm primary elections intensify across the United States, spotlighting sharp ideological divides, heightened intraparty tensions, and deep social polarization, a timely new book offers a much-needed intellectual off-ramp. Energion Publications is pleased to announce the upcoming June 16 release of You’re Probably Wrong (And So Am I): Why Labels Like Communist, Fascist, and Anarchist Are Almost Always Wrong by Elgin L. Hushbeck, Jr.

In a political climate where media echo chambers enforce rigid tribalism and opponents are routinely vilified as enemies, Hushbeck’s book provides a vital critical-thinking framework to understand the root mechanics of human disagreement. The concise, 36-page volume challenges the common assumption that those who disagree with us are inherently deficient, ignorant, or malicious. Instead, Hushbeck demonstrates that objective disputes regularly happen between people who are equally intelligent, well-informed, and compassionate. These deep divisions typically stem from unexamined differences in definitions or how individuals prioritize competing core values—most notably, the fundamental and mutually exclusive tension between liberty and equality.

A central highlight of the book is its critique of the conventional political spectrum, which places Communism on the far-left and Fascism on the far-right. Hushbeck calls this traditional mapping “nonsensical” and a major source of modern political discord. To clear up this systemic confusion, You’re Probably Wrong (And So Am I) proposes replacing the single-axis model with two distinct political spectrums:

• The Left-Right Spectrum: A model specifically for democracies, tracking how societies choose to balance the competing ideals of liberty (emphasized on the right) and equality (emphasized on the left).
• The Authoritarian-Totalitarian Spectrum: A separate model for dictatorships, which evaluates regimes entirely by their degree of state control rather than democratic philosophy.

Ultimately, Hushbeck argues that extreme labels like “Communist,” “Fascist,” or “Anarchist” are almost always misapplied in modern discourse, serving only to distort real issues and stall constructive conversation. You’re Probably Wrong (And So Am I) is an essential guide for voters, educators, and citizens looking to bypass weaponized rhetoric and return to honest, truth-seeking dialogue.

You’re Probably Wrong (And So Am I) (ISBN: 978-1-63199-977-2; eISBN: 978-1-63199-978-9) will be available in both print and digital formats on June 16, 2026. Review copies, catalog details, and pre-orders are available now through the official catalog page at https://energiondirect.com/product/youre-probably-wrong-and-so-am-i/.

About the Publisher:

Energion Publications is an independent publisher based in Cantonment, Florida, dedicated to providing thoughtful, impactful literature on theology and topical issues. For media inquiries, review copy requests, or author interviews, please contact pubs@energion.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Audiobook Release: Dr. David Alan Black’s Why Four Gospels? Challenges Scholarly Consensus on New Testament Origins

[Cantonment, Florida] – Energion Publications is pleased to announce the release of the audiobook edition of Why Four Gospels? The Historical Origins of the Gospels by Dr. David Alan Black. This release expands the availability of this significant work, which is now offered in paperback, eBook, case laminate hardcover (suitable for libraries), and audio formats.

Why Four Gospels? offers a compelling challenge to the consensus of modern scholarship regarding the formation of the New Testament. While the academic guild largely accepts the priority of Mark, Dr. Black argues for the “Fourfold-Gospel Hypothesis”. This approach reclaims the value of early church tradition, arguing that the Gospels were written in response to the specific needs of the expanding church: Matthew for the Jerusalem church, followed by Luke for the Gentile mission, with Mark serving as a bridge between the traditions of Peter and Paul, and John written last as a supplement.

Though it challenges entrenched theories, this work comes from a deeply established scholar. Dr. Black holds a Doctor of Theology from the University of Basel, taught New Testament Greek for over 30 years, and is the author of over 20 books.

Despite its academic rigor, the book is designed to be accessible. As noted in the preface, Dr. Black wrote this text to provide students and laypeople with a “brief, clear, and easily understandable summary” of the historical origins of the Gospels. It serves as a vital resource for those seeking to understand the “wrongly neglected and unfashionable aspect of New Testament studies”—the testimony of the early church fathers.

Prominent scholars have praised the book’s contribution to the field. J. Keith Elliott, Professor Emeritus of New Testament Textual Criticism at the University of Leeds, describes it as a “clear and succinct statement of an alternative position” that is essential for students assessing theories of Gospel origins. Similarly, James Swetnam of the Pontifical Biblical Institute notes that the book offers a “refreshing reacquisition of the voice of the patristic fathers”.

The new audiobook edition allows a wider audience to engage with Dr. Black’s reconstruction of early Christian history, tracing the development of the Gospels through the Jerusalem, Gentile, and Roman phases of the early church.

Availability: Why Four Gospels? is available in paperback, case laminate hardcover, eBook, and audiobook formats. It can be purchased through most major online retailers.

You can find links to retailers via Books2Read.com.

About the Author: Dr. David Alan Black is Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Greek at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. He lives on a working farm in southern Virginia.

Media Contact: Henry Neufeld, Publisher; henry@energion.co; (850) 525-3916; https://energion.co

I recently gave a devotional for a study I co-lead, sponsored by World Prayr. Energion works frequently with World Prayr to help provide teaching materials to pastors and other ministers in various countries. If you’d like to see how Energion works with World Prayr, you can view translated books in the following infographic.

In my devotional, I discussed seeing Jesus in the Old Testament. We often relate the two testimonies by connecting prophetic dots. This was prophesied here and happened there. I don’t want to dismiss that approach. But in my view, it is much more important to see the themes of the way God interacts with people that are developed in Hebrew scripture and then take on new meaning in the New Testament.

I gave this introduction, and then took the lazy route. Energion has just released a new book, … Because of Jesus. In fact, it was released today! I was giving this group a pre-release preview. The extract I read follows. It begins as the women who have seen the empty tomb and been informed by the angel that Jesus is risen meet Jesus as they go to tell the other disciples.

And then they slid to a stop.

Because standing in the track in front of them was a familiar face.

Familiar, yet something different. It took a second, perhaps, to register. After all, the last time they’d seen this face, it was little more than a bloody pulp. But he greeted them.

And everything changed again. Everything they barely dared to hope and believe was confirmed.

The tomb was empty, yes; but it was empty because Jesus is alive. This was no mirage, no grief-caused ghost, no sleep-deprived-addled mistake. They fell at his feet. And they touched him. You can’t touch
an hallucination.

And they worshipped him.

Why?

The earthquake had prepared them to realize that something was happening. Now they understood: God was coming. And so they worshipped God. Risen from the dead.

And as they worshipped, with tears flowing rapturously down their faces, their minds scrambled to make it all make sense. To put the pieces together.

But everything changes because Jesus is alive. The old rules are upended. The old norms have changed. Everything that God had promised throughout the entire Old Testament had brought time and nature to this singularity. All of Scripture had pointed to this moment.

Adam in the Garden of Eden pointed forward to Jesus in gardens outside Jerusalem. The promised serpent crusher of Genesis 3:15 had come and the wages of our sin, which is death, has been conquered by this greater Adam.

Noah and his ark pointed forward to Jesus being the ark of the New Covenant. All who take refuge in the resurrected Lord and the work of his cross and resurrection will avoid the wrath of God for our sinfulness.
Abraham pointed forward to the tearing apart of God for breaking the covenant. And Jesus had been brutally torn apart. But he is the true promised offspring who would bless all the nations of the world.

Israel pointed forward to an obedient Son; but every son of Adam was sinful. But Jesus? He obeyed even to the point of death, as a slave, as the very personification of sin. He was the one True Israelite.

David pointed forward to a king who would reign eternally from an eternal throne over a never-ending Kingdom which would never be shaken. Jesus, the resurrected king, is that king. His reign will never end. His Kingdom will never cease. His throne stands above all time.

Isaiah spoke of a stump of Jesse and an offspring, a seed, who would grow and blossom from the old, chopped down, tree of Israel. This offspring, this shoot of Jesse, is Jesus. A greater David. A triumphant David. A sinless David. An eternal David.

Because the tomb had been opened. And Christ is triumphant. He’s the fulfilment of it all. The resurrection is the vindication of Jesus’s work. It tells us that God had accepted the sacrifice and that we can therefore be forgiven.

Talk about a comeback.

Christian, consider what this means. This is the source, the foundation of our hope. Because Jesus was raised, we will be raised. Because Jesus was raised in a new and perfect body, we will be raised into a new and perfect body. Because Jesus was raised to reign, we will be raised to reign. Because Jesus was raised to eternal life, we will be raised to eternal life.

Death is not the end. It may swallow our temporal bodies; but it will never swallow our new creation bodies. This means that the very sting of death, that terrifying sense of inevitability and futility? Is gone. Death is dead because Jesus is alive.

And we now see that the tomb of the Old Creation?

Was nothing more than the womb of the New Creation.

Jesus is the firstborn of the New Creation, the New Covenant life. And this is all ours, given to us as a gift, if we but bow down and worship the Lord of Life. The implications of this resurrection life are immense.

When you pray? You don’t pray to an inanimate block of wood or stone or gold, like the idols of old. Nor do you pray to a dead and rotting corpse of useless men like the saints, or like the Buddha. Nor do you pray to a myth like Vishnu. No. You pray to a risen king. A listening lord. Who is able to help you. Who was seen and touched as evidence of his resurrection. Why would you pray to any other being or person? What can they do? They can’t hear you; they’re dead. But we pray to the risen Lord. He hears. He listens.
He loves. And he helps. And he knows.

When you cry? You cry to a king who has cried tears of anguish and grief and sadness and pain. He empathizes with you. And because he knows, he can help you.

When you struggle? He’s powerful enough to conquer death. He can help you in your moments of weakness and pain and isolation.

When you fail? He encourages you with the voice of a brother, and the strength of a king, and the tenderness of a friend.

When you’re afraid? He experienced fear deeper than we can imagine; he sweat drops of blood. He can comfort you.

When you’re lost? He can guide you.

When you’re rejoicing? He celebrates with you.

When you sing? He basks in joy.

When you dance? He smiles with delight.

When you obey? He laughs with glee!

How can this be? Only because he lives. He’s not a corpse in the tomb. He’s not given over to corruption. He’s not broken and bruised anymore. He’s risen. He’s able. He’s powerful. He has conquered. He is alive. So come to him. He hears you. Cling to him. He helps you. Trust him. He’s proven himself. This is your king!

(TK Dunn, … Because of Jesus, pp 83-86)

Dr. Thomas Hudgins, Energion author and translator, believes the meaning of words is very important, and that when you study, you should give serious consideration to the various ways in which a word might be translated.

He’s working from Philippians 1:1 and considering the word “douloi.” Should it be translated as slave? Bond-servant? Servant? As he shows, it matters!

(Featured image generated by Adobe Firefly using Firefly Image 4.)

From I Know We’re All Welcome at the Table, but Do I Have to Sit Next to You?

Listening in an open-hearted way does not mean that you agree with the position that the other is putting forth. You will have opportunities to state your differing convictions at another time. But if we are interested in furthering peace, we can begin by learning to listen to our enemies and our loved ones in such a way that we genuinely cherish their story. That means we encounter the other, not as an opponent to overpower, but as a human being who hurts and hopes just as we do.

Janice Springer, I Know We’re All Welcome at the Table, but Do I Have to Sit Next to You?, p. 45

(Featured image licensed from Adobe Stock. Not public domain.)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW BOOK HEALING THE WORLD OFFERS ACCESSIBLE PATHS TO SPIRITUALITY, ECOLOGY, AND GLOBAL CONNECTION AMIDST MODERN CHALLENGES

CANTONMENT, FL – September 3, 2025 – For those grappling with profound questions about life’s meaning, the health of our planet, and the interconnectedness of all existence, Energion Publications proudly announces the release of Healing the World: Whitehead, Francis, Clare, and Bonaventure on Spiritual and Planetary Transformation by author Bruce G. Epperly. Released yesterday, this timely book provides new insights and practical guidance for a general audience seeking spiritual depth and actionable solutions for personal and planetary well-being.

In an era marked by profound uncertainty, environmental crises, and societal divisions, many are struggling with questions and looking for possible actions to make a difference. Epperly’s work offers a powerful response, asserting that we are “the ones we have been waiting for” to become God’s partners in healing the Earth. Through integrating ancient wisdom with modern thought, the book aims to “advance the moral and spiritual arcs of history” and inspire readers to be “earth healers in every aspect of our lives.” Each chapter concludes with “Spiritual Practices for Global Healers,” designed to help readers embody this vision in their personal and public lives.

Healing the World delves into spirituality and mysticism, making these profound concepts accessible to everyone. Epperly, an author of numerous books on these subjects, emphasizes that Whitehead’s philosophical vision is “mystical in spirit,” encouraging a quest for self-transcendence and “world loyalty.” The book promotes the idea that “God is in all things. All things in God,” suggesting that “all creation sings praises to God” and that there is a mystic in you waiting to emerge and heal the earth. This perspective fosters a daily awakening to the holiness present in every moment, challenging narrow or authoritarian views of God and revelation.

A central focus of the book is ecology and world connectedness. Epperly champions a vision of a “living, experiential, and value-laden universe” where all creatures deserve respect and ethical treatment. He highlights the profound interdependence of all life, asserting that everything is everywhere at all times and using the African affirmation: “I am because of you. We are because of one another.” This understanding underpins the call for healing as a planetary idea, urging a shift from self-interest to world loyalty and advocating for an ecological civilization. The book’s integration of Franciscan spirituality, with Francis of Assisi as the patron saint of ecology, provides a powerful model for harmony with nature and reverence for life.

Bruce G. Epperly is widely recognized for his ability to make complex theological and philosophical concepts understandable and relevant to everyday life. As a leading voice in process theology and the author of over eighty books, his extensive experience as a seminary professor, university chaplain, and congregational pastor enables him to bridge academic depth with practical spiritual guidance. His work is known for offering “a metaphysical vision that complements, supplements, and integrates Franciscan spirituality with the modern world”, directly addressing contemporary challenges with hope and inspiration. He has also authored Process Theology: A Guide for the Perplexed, further solidifying his reputation for clarifying intricate ideas for a broad readership.

Healing the World is an invitation to engage with deep questions, discover personal spiritual power, and become an active participant in the planetary healing process. It empowers readers to “dust off the doors of perception, awaken to the wonder and tragedy of life, and get to work embodying God’s call to partnership in healing the earth.”

About the Author: Bruce G. Epperly is Theologian in Residence at Westmoreland United Church of Christ, Bethesda, MD. With a career spanning four decades as a professor, administrator, chaplain, and pastor, he has authored more than eighty books. His extensive writings, including Saving Progressive Christianity to Save the Planet and The Mystic in You: Discovering a God-filled World, consistently explore the intersection of spirituality, theology, and social change.

About Energion Publications: Energion Publications is dedicated to publishing resources that enrich spiritual understanding and address contemporary issues with insight and depth.

Contact: Henry Neufeld, henry@energion.co, (850) 525-3916

Energion Publications publishes books from a variety of perspectives. We are always looking for material that will challenge readers to think more carefully about what they believe. One of the key elements to learning to support what you believe is hearing and understanding other positions on the topic so you can be sure you have thoroughly examined the basis for your own belief.

In this we combine two of our new Mission Keys, Discernment and Community, because in this case being part of a community and sharing thoughts and perspectives with others becomes both a part of study and of discernment.

Consider the following two quotes from books that appear to be on different topics, but which lead to the same conclusion.

There is hardly any philosophical or theological position which has not been questioned and disputed. So when you hold one of alternatives it is only reasonable that you are aware of the claims, arguments and discussions that differ from your own. They may be more reasonable than the ones you are at present holding. But if you do not know what they are you cannot assess your own satisfactorily.

Edward W. H. Vick, Philosophy for Believers, pp. 4-5

Sharing

The final step is sharing. You do this both to give others the benefit of what you have learned and to benefit from their comments and perhaps corrections. As you study and question, find something to share. Remember that sharing can be in the form of a question. For example, one might ask others how they understand a particular word, such as “incarnation,” “poverty,” or “atonement.” Take notes on their answers, and bring that information back to your study.

Then ask yourself what your neighbors will hear when you make particular statements, such as “I must be bold for Jesus!” or “Jesus is the only way to receive atonement.” Do those statements mean something to them? Do they mean the same thing to them as they do to you?

This is part of contemplatio, as you try to be and do the text. We often think of sharing primarily as telling someone things that we have learned. But if what you learned is that God loves prisoners, for example, you might find that the best way of sharing that lesson is to become active in prison ministry.

Sharing demonstrates that you don’t believe the text is your private possession. It is God’s gift to the Christian community.

Geoffrey Lentz and Henry Neufeld, Learning and Living Scripture, p. 14

From The God of the Growing Edge, pp 81-82

St. Benedict of Nursia taught a practice of encountering scripture and other holy texts that today we identify as Lectio Divina or holy reading. The point of holy reading is to personalize the scripture moving from the words to the Living Word of mystical encounter available to each one of us. The steps of a contemporary version of Lectio Divina are as follows:

• A time of stillness.
• Prayer of openness and gratitude
• Reading the scripture twice with a time of stillness between readings.
• Silent openness to the message of the scripture, the word or phrase, hymn or image, that is addressed to you.
• In a time of silence, you may choose to sit in a comfortable chair or you might go for a walk and simply let your mind wander until an inspiration emerges.
• Reflect on the meaning of the word for you at this point in your life.
• Jot down some notes as a way of grounding and preserving your experience.

The practice of holy reading initially had its primary use in discerning the deeper personal meaning of scripture. You can, however, use this practice for any media – a poem, quote, or even a painting or piece of music.

Bruce Epperly, The God of the Growing Edge, pp. 81-82

Energion author David Alan Black appeared recently as a guest on the Bible and Theology Matters Podcast and discussed the synoptic problem. The “synoptic problem” involves outlining the literary relationships between the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

This is nearly an hour of discussion, but it is tightly packed. If you are interested in exploring Matthean priority, which Dave embraces, this is an excellent starting point.

David Alan Black is the author of Why Four Gospels?, published by Energion.

From Energion Publications author Elgin L. Hushbeck, Jr.