Befriending Our Desires - Hardcover

Sheldrake, Philip

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0877935378 ISBN 13: 9780877935377

Publisher: Ave Maria Press, 1994

Synopsis

Endorsements: Sheldrake catches your attention with his adept exploration of the intimate connection between desire, even sexual desire, and holiness. --JKeith J. Egan, Professor of Theology, Saint Mary's College and the University of Notre Dame He helps us understand that when we realize that our heart's longing is for God, we realize that our desires are not enemies but friends of spiritual life and growth. --JJohn S. Dunnes, CSC, author of Love's Minds, Professor of Theology, University of Notre Dame . . . Magnificently articulates a God and a spirituality characterized by passion, desire, vulnerability, and eros. This broad, accessible, yet profound, treatment of desire is a welcome addition to the literature on spiritual growth. --Joan Timmerman, author of Sexuality and Spiritual Growth, Professor of Theology, College of Saint Catherine Author Biography: Philip Sheldrake has taught and written extensively about Christian spirituality and spirituality more generally. He is Senior Research Fellow, Cambridge Theological Federation and Honorary Professor, University of Wales. His many works include Spirituality and Theology and Spirituality and History.

About this title

About the Author

Philip Sheldrake has taught and written extensively about Christian spirituality and spirituality more generally. He is Senior Research Fellow, Cambridge Theological Federation and Honorary Professor, University of Wales. His many works include Spirituality and Theology and Spirituality and History.

Review

"Befriending Our Desires is a deeply considered and artfully written celebration of the human capacity for self-transcendence. Sheldrake plumbs the mystery of human desire in all its rich variety: its spiritual dynamism, the mature cultivation and direction of its intrinsic power, its relational implications, and its ultimate goodness. A beautiful and encouraging book."Wendy M. Wright, PhD, Professor of Theology, Creighton University

"Befriending Our Desires is a thoroughly learned and readable book that offers a dynamic vision of Christian spirituality. Philip Sheldrake retrieves desire' as a key dimension of a fully embodied, vulnerable, and authentic spirituality. Always informed by Sheldrake's deep knowledge of the Christian tradition, the book presents carefully nuanced readings of Scriptures, mystics, poets, theologians, and theorists while remaining in touch with ordinary human struggles toward growth. Delighted to see this third edition in print!"Claire Wolfteich, Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Spirituality Studies, Co-Director, Center for Practical Theology, Boston University School of Theology

"The ache of the heart is the lure of God. Few writers explicate so clearly that intricate, yet intimate, interconnection. Philip Sheldrake does. He is truly a doctor of the soul, and this book is proof. Highly recommended for anyone who is searching for a more coherent grasp of their spiritual life."Ronald Rolheiser, OMI

"An extraordinarily beautiful and honest account of the role of desire in the spiritual life. Not a sanitized version, but a fully embodied, deeply human depiction of longing that is bound up with our humanity but also mysteriously reaches out and into something not entirely nameable or knowable—as our longings so often do."Douglas E. Christie, Department of Theological Studies, Loyola Marymount University

About this edition

• Publisher: Ave Maria Press
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0877935378
• ISBN 13: 9780877935377
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 131