Four Views on Christian Spirituality

How do Christians cultivate a vibrant and Christ-centered spirituality that's rooted in biblical clarity?

Spiritual formation--the cultivation of a relationship with God--lies at the heart of what it means to be a Christian in the body of Christ. But with the rise of diverse spiritual practices, from Zen meditation to out-of-body experiences, the idea of spirituality has become watered down by postmodern culture.

Christian spirituality, on the other hand, embraces devotion to the triune God, abiding in Christ, the pursuit of holiness, and the cultivation of virtues. But what exactly falls within the scope Christian spirituality?

This volume of the Counterpoints series focuses on the Church’s search for spiritual identity, meaning, and significance as interpreted by four of the major Christian traditions:

• Eastern Orthodoxy – represented by Bradley Nassif
• Roman Catholic – represented by Scott Hahn
• Progressive Protestant – represented by Joseph Driskill
• Evangelical - represented by Evan Howard

The Counterpoints series presents a comparison and critique of scholarly views on topics important to Christians that are both fair-minded and respectful of the biblical text. Each volume is a one-stop reference that allows readers to evaluate the different positions on a specific issue and form their own, educated opinion.

 

Dr. Bruce Demarest is professor of theology and spiritual formation at Denver Seminary.

Bradley Nassif (PhD, Fordham University) is a professor of Biblical & Theological Studies at North Park University, Chicago, IL. He is the co-editor of The Philokalia: Exploring a Classic Text of Orthodox Spirituality and general editor of New Perspectives on Historical Theology: Essays in Memory of John Meyendorff.

Scott Hahn is Professor of Theology and Scripture at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, in Steubenville, Ohio. He also holds the Chair of Biblical Theology and Liturgical Proclamation at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. He is author of The Lamb's Supper, Lord Have Mercy; Swear to God: The Promise and Power of Sacraments; and Letter and Spirit: From Written Text of Living Word in the Liturgy.

Joseph D. Driskill is professor of spirituality and dean of the Disciples Seminary Foundation at the Berkeley campus of the Pacific School of Religion. Dr. Driskill leads students in exploring Protestant spiritualities, contemplative prayer, Disciples history, and the role of spirituality in pastoral care. A minister with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), he has pastored churches in Missouri, Kentucky, and Saskatchewan, and served for 12 years as a campus minister at the University of Western Ontario for the United Church of Canada in London, Ontario. Dr. Driskill’s publications include Protestant Spiritual Exercises: Theology, History, and Practice, Spiritually Informed Pastoral Care, and, with Emerita Karen Lebacqz, Ethics and Spiritual Care: A Guide for Pastors, Chaplains, and Spiritual Directors as well as numerous journal articles.