A Brief History of Spirituality (Blackwell Brief Histories of Religion) (Wiley Blackwell Brief Histories of Religion) - Hardcover

Sheldrake, Philip

3.74

90 ratings by Goodreads

9781405117708: A Brief History of Spirituality (Blackwell Brief Histories of Religion) (Wiley Blackwell Brief Histories of Religion)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1405117702 ISBN 13: 9781405117708

Publisher: Wiley–Blackwell, 2007

View all copies of this ISBN edition:

A Brief History of Spirituality tells the story of Christian spirituality from its origins in the New Testament to the present day.* Charts the main figures, ideas, images and historical periods, showing how and why spirituality has changed and developed over the centuries* Draws out the distinctive themes of Christian spirituality, exploring the historical and cultural events and experiences that changed people's attitudes and practices* Coverage extends right up to the modern day, exploring the huge changes in spirituality in recent years and the way it is nowadays often contrasted with 'religion'* Written by a leading commentator on spirituality, and published in the popular Brief Histories of Religion series

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Review:

"I very warmly commend this book not only as a source of information but as a resource in seeking to apply the Christian faith to the contemporary world ... .The best overview available on this important subject." (The Way, January and April 2008) "[Sheldrake's] grasp of the key figures and movements within the western Christian tradition is consistently sure-footed, and the book will be very useful for those seeking an accessible one-volume introduction to the subject by an acknowledged authority ... . This is an excellent book and can be safely recommended to students and others alike." (Theology, September, October 2008) "Wonderfully encapsulates the complex manner in which the term spirituality has taken on various meanings within the Christian tradition ... Those who are interested in learning more about the major movements in the Christian tradition are sure to find this book a wonderful introduction into learning more about thinkers who have ardently longed to attain wisdom." (The Heythrop Journal) "One gets the sense that Sheldrake knows and loves his subject, and more importantly, wants to share his knowledge with others. I strongly recommend this book." (Anglican Theological Review)

From the Back Cover:

A Brief History of Spirituality tells the story of Christian spirituality from its origins in the New Testament to the present day. Moving through the main figures and historical periods, the author shows how and why spirituality has changed and developed over the centuries.

Philip Sheldrake, a leading commentator on spirituality, draws out the distinctive themes of Christian spirituality, exploring the historical and cultural events that changed people’s attitudes and practices. The major spiritual teachers are described, along with the ideas, images and experiences that so strongly affected those around them. Coming right up to the modern day, the book explores the huge changes in spirituality in recent years and examines the way it is often contrasted with “religion.”

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.