Editor IAN PAUL
Publisher ZONDERVAN
ISBN 0-007-13332-4
It is a joy to commend this book to those seeking to do what its title says. Ian Paul is a minister on the staff of an Anglican Church in Dorset, England and is also managing editor of Grove Books in the UK. This organization put out a series of pamphlets on various aspects of the spiritual life; these were written by a number of authors living in England, this particular book is a compilation of those pamphlets and subtitled “The Best Contemporary Writing on Christian Spirituality.” Some might like to question that statement but there is no doubt that this book is an inspiring introduction to the riches of our Christian Heritage. There are four sections addressing the subjects of prayer, spiritual practices, both past and present, forgiveness and freedom. Within each of these there are a variety of chapters ranging from praying from the Psalms to learning from the English mystics, and from writing one’s own spiritual autobiography to finding and practicing a personal rule of life. The aim of the book is to promote a deeper spiritual walk. Those coming from a more Pentecostal/ Evangelical background will almost certain find that there is material here that brings them into an enlarged understanding of both aspects of the history of the church and those things that have contributed to her continuance. This book is thoroughly evangelical but endeavors to lift the reader out of the limited views that are sometimes present in that tradition and can hamper spiritual growth. Because each chapter is self-contained the whole book does not need to be read right through, but the various subjects can be considered as the reader sees fit. One of the sadder aspects of our day, and this attitude is in the churches too, is the despising of the past, what has tradition to teach us? On the one hand there is a fascination with the past, but a serious disdain towards it too. This book examines aspects of the past as far as spiritual life is concerned and exposes just how much that was present in the lives of those who have gone before is now neglected and even absent in the usual habits of the charismatic and evangelical believer. This book contains wisdom to live by and return to, it is a rich resource to be consulted.
