On the Way: A Guide to Christian Spirituality - Softcover

Smith, Gordon T.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1576832376 ISBN 13: 9781576832370

Publisher: Navpress Pub Group, 2001

Synopsis

Imagine you're longing for a cool refreshing drink of water . . . And there, right in front of you, is a full glass, crystal clear, just waiting to be picked up. You study the tantalizing trail of droplets as they work their way down the side. You talk to people who have drunk from the glass and even tell others how wonderful it looks. You're convinced that this water will be deeply satisfying. You've done everything short of bringing the glass to your lips and drinking for yourself. Your longing continues for a cool, refreshing drink of water.

Everyone is thirsty spiritually. "My soul thirsts for God," says the psalmist. And Jesus, knowing our longing, offers us Living Water. But how do we actually drink this water so that it can begin to satisfy our souls?

For centuries, Christians have practiced spiritual disciplines to develop a deeply satisfying relationship with God. These disciplines are like the glass, bringing Living Water to our parched souls. Gordon Smith recognizes that authentic spirituality often looks dramatically different from one believer to the next. Still, there are certain disciplines that are essential for any Christian who wants a deeper, more satisfying relationship with God. On the Way will help readers identify those essentials and develop a spirituality that encompasses every area of life such as work, friendships, and recreation. Readers can learn to develop a deep relationship with God that will sustain them through the challenges and hardships they face On the Way.

About this title

About the Author

GORDON T. SMITH is the academic vice president and dean of Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he also has a teaching appointment in spiritual theology. He is an ordained minister with the Christian and Missionary Alliance, and has pastored both in Canada and the Philippines. Gordon is the author of several books including Listening to God in Times of Choice and Courage and Calling (both IVP). His personal vision is to enable Christians to think theologically about all of life. Gordon lives in Vancouver with his wife, Joella.

Reviews

Despite the "journeying" imagery of the title and cover art, this is more like a practical introduction to "spiritual hiking" than a travelogue. Smith, academic vice president and dean of Regent College, gives a thorough overview of some basic components of Christian spirituality. He begins with an introduction stressing the importance of an individualized plan for spiritual development, then proceeds with chapters on a Christian mindset, the importance of personal encounters with God, the role of vocation and service and the basic structures for accountability. The book closes with a refreshing chapter on a much-neglected topic recreation as a spiritual discipline. Smith provides a basic overview of many topics usually covered at much greater length, such as discernment and "measuring success." There are also excellent words of wisdom on matters as diverse as the nature of true friendship, the corrosive influence of television and the role of routine in our lives. Somewhat sparse on anecdotes and illustrations, the academic "survey" style may disappoint some readers, but many will find it a useful guide to further study, especially since Smith provides very practical appendices on prayer, personal retreats and vocation, and suggestions for further reading. The book's theologically rich language and comprehensive scope may be overwhelming to new Christians, but it will serve as a valuable resource for more mature Christians in search of greater depth.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Navpress Pub Group
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1576832376
• ISBN 13: 9781576832370
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 176