Christian Spirituality An Introduction

includes index and biblioraphy

1 INTRODUCTION Defining "Spirituality" Defining "Christian Spirituality" Clarifying Terms: Mysticism and Spirituality 2 TYPES OF CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY Spirituality, Theology, and Personality Theological variables Historical variables Personal variables Denominational Considerations Catholicism Orthodoxy Protestantism Attitudes to the World, Culture, and History 1 Christ against culture 2 The Christ of culture 3 Christ above culture 4 Christ and culture in paradox 5 Christ the transformer of culture 3 THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR SPIRITUALITY: BASIC ISSUES The Nature of Theology The Relations of Theology and Spirituality Positive aspects of the relationship Negative aspects of the relationship THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR SPIRITUALITY: CASE STUDIES Creation Explanation Application Illustration Human Nature and Destiny Explanation Application Illustration The Trinity` Explanation Application Illustration Incarnation Explanation Application Illustration Redemption Explanation Application Illustration Resurrection Explanation Application Illustration Consummation Explanation Application Illustration Conclusion BIBLICAL IMAGES AND CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY The Bible as a Resource for Spirituality Biblical Images and Spirituality The feast The journey Exile The struggle Purification The internalization of faith The desert Ascent Darkness and light Silence Conclusion 6 FACES, PLACES, AND SPACES: VISUALIZATION AND SPATIALIZATION IN CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY The Visualization of the Divine A problem? The challenge of idolatry Visualizing God: the incarnation Visualizing God: the creation Visualizing God: the sacraments Christian symbolism: the cross A corrective: the apophatic tradition Telling the Story: Faith in Life The Rhythm of Faith: Structuring Time The Christian week The Christian year The monastic day Spiritual Geography: Structuring Space Holy spaces: spirituality and architecture Holy places: the place of pilgrimage 7 CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY: ENGAGING THE TRADITION Spirituality and History Interrogating the Text Classic Texts: An Engagement Gregory of Nyssa Augustine of Hippo Anselm of Canterbury Francis of Assisi Hugh of Balma Ludolf of Saxony Julian of Norwich Martin Luther Ignatius Loyola Teresa of Avila Charles Wesley John Henry Newman James I. Packer Conclusion: Where Next?