In The Spiritual Way: Classic Traditions and Contemporary Practice, Philip Sheldrake aims to make the wisdom of Christian spirituality better known to contemporary readers. After an introductory chapter on the foundations of Christian spirituality, Sheldrake describes its diverse riches through the centuries in terms of five distinctive types of Christian spiritual wisdom, illustrated by a rich selection of classical examples. The five types are 'The Way of Discipline,' 'The Contemplative-Mystical Way,' 'The Way of Practical Action,' 'The Way of Beauty,' and 'The Prophetic Way.' This book also briefly explores the contemporary interest in spirituality within and beyond conventional religion and suggests how we might engage with these five types on our spiritual journeys in today's world.
"This is a must-read for anyone interested in spirituality! Sheldrake's historical exploration leads readers into an appreciation of spirituality as a multi-faceted diamond, which is not only a lived way of life and but also is a deep source of wisdom. Sheldrake invites us to interpret Christian spirituality through his lens of five ways/types; discipline, contemplation, action, beauty and prophes
Laurie Cassidy, PhD, spiritual director and Christian social ethicist
"A master of the field, Dr. Sheldrake draws from his vast exploration into this topic to gift us with a text that is readable, informative, and wise. Clarifying the distinctions between spirituality and theology, he deftly offers the reader the necessary insight on how they nevertheless must interact. He offers the reader five lenses or types of spirituality while showing how they often interrelat
Carla Mae Streeter, OP, Professor Emerita, Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis
"Prompted by the question: `what might the classic wisdom of the Christian traditions have to offer those seeking spiritual meaning amidst the complexity and uncertainty of our post-modern world?' Philip Sheldrake has marshalled his vast knowledge of those classics to create a well-considered, thought-provoking, and remarkably accessible response. Each section brings vividly to life texts, figures
Wendy M. Wright, Professor Emerita of Theology, Creighton University
