Download or read book Investigating Contemplative Christian Spirituality as Christian Formation through a Process Hermeneutic written by Richard Christian Bauer and published by . This book was released on 2020 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Spiritual Formation Through Preaching and Other Contemplative Practices written by David R. Aukerman and published by . This book was released on 2019 with total page 434 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Preaching and contemplative spirituality seem to operate in very different ways. Sermons are full of words, while contemplative practices are often filled with silence. Yet both are important tools for spiritual formation. This project explores how sermons and contemplative practices interact with each other toward the goal of spiritual formation for all participants. Chapter Three presents a contemplative hermeneutic, using the language of a "hermeneutic of silence." Reflecting on the work of Jean-Louis Chretien in The Ark of Speech, we develop a tool for spiritual formation rooted in contemplative spirituality. Relying on theological concepts such as theoria and perichoresis, this hermeneutic is a way oflistening deeply and openly to scripture that places primary emphasis on God's activity in the present. Adopting a postmodern posture of receptivity to the biblical text greatly depends on acknowledging the hospitality of God in the experience of reading scripture. Chapter Four describes in great detail the intervention of the project. Over a twelve-week period, five participants from the author's congregation attended a series of training sessions in contemplative practices and listened to a series of sermons on the topic of spiritual formation. Through several conversations and questionnaire responses, these participants provided a wealth of data for exploration. Qualitative analysis of this data reveals striking themes which support the notion that sermons and contemplative practices can indeed facilitate spiritual formation. Chapter Five seeks to interpret the analysis from the previous chapter by considering it from a number of perspectives. Significantly, the relationships between word, preaching, community, and silence (from Chapter Two) are reframed through the lens of divine hospitality (from Chapter Three). Avenues for further research are briefly explored at the conclusion of this chapter.
Download or read book Embracing Contemplation written by John H. Coe and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2019-02-26 with total page 309 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What does a Christian life lived "by the Spirit" look like? Bringing together Protestant scholars and practitioners of spiritual formation, this volume offers a distinctly evangelical consideration of the benefits of contemplation. Drawing on historical examples from the church—including John Calvin, Richard Baxter, Jonathan Edwards, and John Wesley—this book considers how contemplative prayer can shape Christian living today.
Download or read book Becoming Whole and Holy written by Jeannine K. Brown and published by Baker Academic. This book was released on 2011-02-01 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How does Christian formation happen and what are its moral implications? This book brings into conversation three disciplines that are crucial for Christian formation--social science, biblical studies/hermeneutics, and ethics--to present a cohesive, dynamic vision of human wholeness and spiritual holiness. The authors weave together insights from their respective fields to address the relationship between personal and communal formation, moral development, and the interpretation of Scripture. Revealing the process as well as the fruits of interdisciplinary dialogue, this book offers a fresh approach to understanding human formation. The final chapter, a case study on immigration, demonstrates the authors' integrative method.
Download or read book Embracing the Call to Spiritual Depth written by Tilden Edwards and published by Paulist Press. This book was released on 2010 with total page 196 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A well-known spiritual mentor shares some practical and theological insights for the deepening spiritual journey.
Download or read book The Divine Indwelling written by Thomas Keating and published by Lantern Books. This book was released on 2015-10-01 with total page 99 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: These essays discuss several features of centering prayer and the contemplative outreach movement: - Thomas Keating: "The Divine Indwelling,” - Thomas R. Ward: "Spirituality and Community: Centering Prayer and the Ecclesial Dimension,” - Sarah A. Butler: "Lectio Divina as a Tool for Discernment,” - George F. Cairns: "A Dialogue Between Centering Prayer and Transpersonal Psychology,” - Gail Fitzpatrick-Hopler: "The Spiritual Network of Contemplative Outreach Limited,” - Paul David Lawson: "Leadership and Changes Through Contemplation: A Parish Perspective,” and - Thomas Keating: "The Practice of Intention/Attention.”
Download or read book Open Mind Open Heart 20th Anniversary Edition written by Thomas Keating and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2023-01-19 with total page 210 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Thomas Keating was a Cistercian monk who founded the worldwide 'Contemplative Outreach', teaching people the art of meditation. This is the 20th anniversary edition of Continuum's best-selling spiritual classic, which has sold over half a million in the English language and has appeared in 10 foreign-language editions. This book is designed to initiate the reader into a deep, living relationship with God. Written by an acknowledged spiritual master, the book moves beyond "discursive meditation and particular acts to the intuitive level of contemplation." Keating gives an overview of the history of contemplative prayer in the Christian tradition, and step-by-step guidance in the method of centering prayer. Special attention is paid to the role of the Sacred Word, Christian growth and transformation, and active prayer. The book ends with an explicit treatment of the contemplative dimension of the gospel. Open Mind, Open Heart will take readers into a world where God can do anything, into a realm of the greatest adventure – “Where one is open to the Infinite and hence to infinite possibilities." This is the 20th anniversary edition of Continuum's bestselling spiritual classic, which has sold over half a million in the English language and has appeared in 10 foreign-language editions (Croatian, French, German, Hungarian, Indonesia, Italian, Korean, Polish, and Portuguese). The new edition consists of a substantial new preface, an expanded glossary, some changes in terminology, and a reordering of several chapters.
Download or read book Invitation to Love 20th Anniversary Edition written by Thomas Keating and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2012-06-21 with total page 184 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Invitation to Love provides a road map for the journey that begins when Centering Prayer is seriously undertaken. Pointing to some of the recognizable landmarks on this journey, as well as to its ultimate destination, Father Keating addresses common questions regarding contemplative practice: How will it affect my life? Where does it lead us spiritually? What obstacles will I encounter along the way? How does it work? Following on from Open Mind, Open Heart, this book establishes a dialogue between the insights of contemporary psychology and the classic Christian spiritual masters, providing a solid conceptual background for the practice of Centering Prayer. This is a practical book, articulating the stages of the process of spiritual growth, and outlining how we might develop a deeper relationship with God and move from contemplation to action.
Download or read book Conformed to His Image Study Guide written by Kenneth D. Boa and published by Zondervan Academic. This book was released on 2020-10-06 with total page 295 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How can I know God better and, in the process, learn to live out my identity and calling? Too many readers finish a book or Bible study only to be left with unanswered questions about how they can actively and practically nourish their spiritual desires. Intended for use alongside the Conformed to His Image Video Study and as a complement to Kenneth Boa’s highly regarded Conformed to His Image textbook, the Conformed to His Image Study Guide will help you formulate answers and engage in spiritual practices as you review key concepts and truths of what it means to conform to the image of Christ. Designed for use by independent learners, in small-group and church settings, or in college and seminary courses, this study guide will help you build your life on a biblical foundation, encapsulated in twelve facets of authentic Christian spirituality, which include: Relational Spirituality: Loving God Completely, Ourselves Correctly, and Others Compassionately Paradigm Spirituality: Cultivating an Eternal versus a Temporal Perspective Disciplined Spirituality: Engaging in the Historical Disciplines Exchanged Life Spirituality: Grasping Our True Identity in Christ Motivated Spirituality: A Set of Biblical Incentives Devotional Spirituality: Growing in Relationship with God Holistic Spirituality: Every Component of Life under the Lordship of Christ Process Spirituality: Process versus Product, Being versus Doing Spirit-Filled Spirituality: Walking in the Power of the Spirit Warfare Spirituality: The World, the Flesh, and the Devil Nurturing Spirituality: A Lifestyle of Evangelism and Discipleship Corporate Spirituality: Encouragement, Accountability, and Worship The Conformed to His Image Study Guide is an invaluable tool for anyone who desires to follow Christ more closely.
Download or read book New Age Christianity written by Jocelyn Andersen and published by CreateSpace. This book was released on 2015-06-01 with total page 60 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Spiritual Formation is defined as, the teaching and application of "spiritual disciplines." the term almost always refers to incorporating some form of mantra meditation called contemplative prayer (also called breath prayers, praying the names of God, soaking prayer, centering prayer, etc..) into the practice of the Christian faith. These are Eastern forms of meditation rooted in pagan religious systems and cannot be found in the scriptures, indeed are warned against in the scriptures, yet many churches are introducing contemplative prayer into even their children's programs. Contemplative prayer-meditation-is by far the main practice promoted by Spiritual Directors in leading church members onto the slippery slopes of Spiritual Formation which can corrupt believers from the simplicity of Christ by weaving unbiblical precepts and practices into the very fabric of their lives and faith.
Download or read book Contemplative Life written by Julie Saad and published by Balboa Press. This book was released on 2021-11-07 with total page 261 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book started out as a guidebook on the Contemplative Living Experience program, a spiritual formation program in contemplative life offered by Contemplative Outreach. It grew into a story about how a life dedicated to contemplative prayer can be transformed when one consents to the presence and action of God within, the divine indwelling. Because Julie’s teaching style comes out of her lived experience, the book also became part memoir and part practical application of Thomas Keating’s teaching. You will likely be able to relate to many of the examples from her life which will remind you of similar experiences you’ve had in your life, all in this exploration of contemplative prayer and its movement into a deeper relationship with the Ultimate Mystery.
Download or read book Spirituality Contemplation and Transformation written by Thomas Keating and published by Lantern Books. This book was released on 2007-11 with total page 353 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Spirituality, Contemplation and Transformation, some of the leading practitioners of centering prayer--the contemporary expression of the Christian contemplative tradition as developed by the desert fathers and mothers and elaborated by mystics such as saints John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila--write about the many and varied benefits of this dynamic and intimate means of connecting with the Divine. Thomas Keating and David Frenette examine the sources of centering prayer - Justin Langille and Jennifer Michael explore different facets of the wisdom of silence - and Paul David Lawson, David G.R. Keller, and Tom Macfie explain the vital role centering prayer can play in fostering communities of faith. Cynthia Bourgeault explicates philosopher and spiritual practitioner Beatrice Bruteau's study of the meaning of contemplation - Brian Taylor uncovers the positive mental changes that centering prayer can bring about - and Thomas Ward reflects on spirituality in the twenty-first century, as well as the inspiring experience of attending a centering prayer retreat. Of interest to anyone involved with contemporary Christian life, these essays, originally published in the Sewanee Theological Review, contribute to the growing body of literature on centering prayer--its practice, theory, and applications--and offer valuable entry points for all those interested in deepening their spiritual practice and fostering a more profound relationship with the Divine. Contents: "A Traditional Blend: The Contemplative Sources of Centering Prayer" by Thomas Keating, OCSO "Three Contemplative Waves" by David Frenette "There is Nothing Between God and You: Awakening to the Wisdom of Contemplative Silence" by Justin Langille "Beatrice Bruteau's "Prayer and Identity: An Introduction with Text and Commentary" by Cynthia Bourgeault "Reading Living Water: The Integral Place of Contemplative Prayer in Christian Transformation" by David G. R. Keller "Binding Head and Heart: A Conversation Concerning Theological Education: The Contemplative Ministry Project" by David G. R. Keller "Centering Prayer and the Work of Clergy and Congregations: Prayer, Priests, and the Postmodern World" by Paul David Lawson "Seeking a Deeper Knowledge of God: Centering Prayer and the Life of a Parish" by Tom Macfie "Spirituality, Contemplation, and Transformation: An Opportunity for the Episcopal Church" by Thomas R. Ward, Jr. "Keep the Rest: Practicing Silence while Professing Poetry" by Jennifer Michael "Changing Your Mind: Contemplative Prayer and Personal Transformation" by Brian C. Taylor "Centering Prayer Retreats" by Thomas R. Ward, Jr.
Download or read book Taught by God Teaching Andspiritual Formation written by and published by Chalice Press. This book was released on with total page 196 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The history of the Christian spiritual life suggests that those who truly teach the spiritual life have been themselves "taught by God." The phrase "taught by God" occurs in Christian writings across several centuries. This book draws on the teachers and teaching models that animate Christian history, bringing it into conversation with the issues and concerns of contemporary teachers and learners who seek to follow Christ. The authors contend that the various strands of the Christian spiritual and mystical tradition provide continuing guidance for Christian teachers in the cultivation of their own spiritual lives and the lives of their students. They order this book around four aspects of Christian educational ministries: the identity of the teacher, contexts in which we teach, models for teaching, and evaluation of teaching. Readers are invited to look at the world of teaching through multiple sides of a prism, refracting differently with each effort, drawing the eye toward a variety of subtle nuance, and inviting varied interpretations of the subject we see. Each chapter focuses on particular spiritual teachers (Francis de Sales, Catherine of Siena, Søren Kierkegaard), practices (monastic rules, spiritual direction, examination of conscience), and images (pilgrimage, imitation, apprenticeship) as exemplars of or frameworks for teaching and spiritual formation in the church today.
Download or read book The Developing Christian written by Peter Feldmeier and published by Paulist Press. This book was released on 2007 with total page 351 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "In The Developing Christian, Peter Feldmeier wrestles with the interconnections between normal human development and spiritual growth. Beginning with the basic principles of Christian spirituality, he goes on to investigate human maturing through the stages of life, with each stage's typical challenges and opportunities. Particular attention is given to moral and ego development. In this context of human maturation, he investigates spiritual progress, particularly as it relates to prayer, work, and primary relationships. Touchstone voices from the theological tradition including St. John of the Cross, Teilhard de Chardin, and James Fowler. These are augmented with an array of wisdom figures from contemplative, prophetic, and pastoral expressions of holiness."--BOOK JACKET.
Download or read book Minding the Spirit written by Elizabeth A. Dreyer and published by JHU Press. This book was released on 2005 with total page 426 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Arranged under five broad headings, these essays create an insightful dialogue on the questions, methods, and critical approaches implemented by the discipline's top scholars.
Download or read book Pilgrimage of a Soul written by Phileena Heuertz and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2010-05-25 with total page 205 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: You can only go so far for so long before you find the limits of yourself. For Phileena Heuertz that moment arrived, mercifully, around the same time as a sabbatical to mark her twelfth year of service with Word Made Flesh, a ministry to some of the poorest people in the world. With six months' respite from the daily task of serving those who have nothing, Phileena rediscovered the genius of contemplative spirituality. Activists often see contemplation as a luxury, the sort of thing that must necessarily be laid aside in the quest to see the world set aright. But in Pilgrimage of a Soul we see that contemplation is essential--not only to a life of sustained commitment to the justice and righteousness of God, but to the growth in faith and discipleship that the Holy Spirit beckons each of us to. Tracing seven movements from a kind of sleepfulness to a kind of wakefulness, Heuertz shows us that life is a journey that repeats itself as we are led by Christ deeper and deeper into our true selves and a truer knowledge of God.
Download or read book Celebration of Discipline written by Richard J. Foster and published by Zondervan. This book was released on 1988-10-05 with total page 266 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the twenty years since its publication, Celebration of Discipline has helped over a million seekers discover a richer spiritual life infused with joy, peace, and a deeper understanding of God. For this special twentieth anniversary edition, Richard J. Foster has added an introduction, in which he shares the story of how this beloved and enduring spiritual guidebook came to be. Hailed by many as the best modern book on Christian spirituality, Celebration of Discipline explores the "classic Disciplines," or central spiritual practices, of the Christian faith. Along the way, Foster shows that it is only by and through these practices that the true path to spiritual growth can be found. Dividing the Disciplines into three movements of the Spirit, Foster shows how each of these areas contribute to a balanced spiritual life. The inward Disciplines of meditation, prayer, fasting, and study, offer avenues of personal examination and change. The outward Disciplines of simplicity, solitude, submission, and service, help prepare us to make the world a better place. The corporate Disciplines of confession, worship, guidance, and celebration, bring us nearer to one another and to God. Foster provides a wealth of examples demonstrating how these Disciplines can become part of our daily activities-and how they can help us shed our superficial habits and "bring the abundance of God into our lives." He offers crucial new insights on simplicity, demonstrating how the biblical view of simplicity, properly understood and applied, brings joy and balance to our inward and outward lives and "sets us free to enjoy the provision of God as a gift that can be shared with others." The discussion of celebration, often the most neglected of the Disciplines, shows its critical importance, for it stands at the heart of the way to Christ. Celebration of Discipline will help motivate Christians everywhere to embark on a journey of prayer and spiritual growth.
