This modern classic explores the key concepts and people who have shaped our Christian spiritual heritage.
Concise and readable Holmes begins this introduction to Christian spirituality with the Jewish antecedents, and proceeds through the New Testament period, monasticism, the Middle Ages, Byzantine spirituality, and the modern period. Holmes ends his overview with key contemporary figures such as Simone Weil, Thomas Merton, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Brief bibliographies of the books written by each notable figure are included for those who wish to read more extensively.
A History of Christian Spirituality is the perfect book for introductory classes at the M. Div. level, for diaconate programs, lay people or parish study classes of all Christian denominations, and for any reference collection. This is a unique and invaluable learning tool and reference for readers, students, or teachers who want a quick explanation of the significance of a person or idea, or who are interested in a broad overview of the entire field.
Urban T. Holmes III (1930–1981) was an Episcopal priest, and served as Dean of the School of Theology at the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee. He was a prolific writer whose books include What is Anglicanism?, a bestselling introduction to the faith, and A History of Christian Spirituality, also available in the Library of Episcopalian Classics.
". . . this 150 page survey manages to accomplish the kinds of things we expect from much more substantial works. Holmes includes virtually every major figure in the history of Christian spirituality, and locates each major trend within its larger historical context. He attempts a systematic categorization of the varieties of spirituality: a typography. And most striking of all, he evinces an understanding, a sense of wisdom, throughout . . . anyone interested in spirituality will find it a helpful introduction and overview. But those who have devoted years to the practice and the study of spirituality will welcome this reprint. They will find much to argue with Holmes definitely challenges a number of common assumptions, and his system seems almost calculated to provoke fellow pilgrims on the journey."—The Episcopal New Yorker"Part of Morehouse's Library of Episcopalian Classics, by the late well-respected teacher and writer Urban Holmes, still our church's best apologist for main stream Anglicanism. This book is an excellent introduction to and overview of the history and field of Christian spirituality. A must-have." —The Living Church"This modern classic explores the key concepts and people who have shaped our Christian spiritual heritage."—Cokesbury Good Books catalog
