Christian Spirituality

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A good introduction to a diverse subject - Rated
Alister McGrath, theologian at Oxford University, is one of my constant and consistent references. From his books on various topics in theology (historical theology, theology and science, etc.) to his general surveys (his 'Introduction to Christian Theology' remains a standard I use in my classes when I can), he cover material in an interesting, accessible, and generally thorough manner.

This particular book, 'Christian Spirituality', is broad introduction to the diverse strands of practice and belief in the history of Christian spirituality. It does not assume any particular theological background -- McGrath introduces the theological underpinning as he develops the topics. Unlike many introductions to this subject, McGrath does not follow a strict historical development approach. This book takes a more thematic approach, building up to a final chapter of classics of spiritual literature from the various strands of tradition within the Christian framework.

Primary texts are used throughout this book; these include writers from Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant traditions, but for the most part, all of the writings here are accessible and relevant to those in most traditions. The first chapter sets the stage by looking at terminology and definitions, as well as the limitations and drawbacks of being too precisely defined in a discipline such as spirituality. The second chapter develops broad paradigms -- historical, denominational, psychological, and cultural, particularly looking at the various ways in which Christianity has interacted with the world (in the world, against the world, above the world, transformer of the world, etc.).

Chapters three and four look at theological relationships with spirituality. The nature of theology, according to McGrath, is often considered different from, sometimes opposed to, the general nature of spirituality. McGrath agrees, if definitions are high abstractions and intellectually removed from relationship with each other. There are positive and negative aspects of the relationship between spiritual practice and theology -- McGrath argues that, with appropriate care and attention, the tension between the disciplines need not be so pronounced.

Chapters five and six develop Christian spirituality from a biblical and a physical/practical sense. Both of these are rooted in the long tradition of Christianity; from the structure of biblical stories to the structure of the church year, there is a way of bringing the images to the forefront. The bible provides many strong images, in word and narrative. The spaces, places and art work of Christian develop in strong symbolic tones means for Christians to develop their spirituality. McGrath covers the many aspects of these.

The final chapter has a rich collection of spiritual classics, from Augustine and Gregory of Nyssa to John Henry Newman and Charles Wesley. While most names will be immediately familiar to readers (Francis of Assisi, Teresa of Avila, Martin Luther, etc.), a few will likely be new. Classics are not, as McGrath points out, elitism texts remote and distant, but rather, those texts that have been proven to have enduring qualities and value for generations -- hence, it is hard to proclaim 'new' works as 'classics'; however, there are some relatively recent pieces included. McGrath introduces these texts by looking at various aspects of the texts -- a rather introductory literary and critical analysis framework.

Part of the purpose of this book, besides being a survey, is to motivate readers and students to further study. There is bibliographic information given after chapters for further reading, developing the topics covered in more detail. The appendix also a listing for further reading, as well as a directory of internet sites. This is a great resource.