Thirsty for God: A Brief History of Christian Spirituality

by Bradley P. Holt

This accessible and engaging history provides an excellent primer on the two-millennium quest for union with God, a "thirst" at the center of Christian life and practice. Holt traces the practice of Christian devotion, prayer, and contemplation from the biblical and influential early periods through the diverse insights of the Reformation and modern eras. Globally framed, the book also highlights the contributions of women and people of color. This new edition not only updates all the chapters and features but also adds more material on the spirituality of Jesus, medieval women mystics, and contemporary spirituality. Short excerpts from primary sources, a glossary, a timeline, a bibliography, and a set of spiritual exercises heighten the book's usefulness for students and lay persons alike.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion, History, Church, Theology, Christian Living

226 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 1980

Reviews

[Sylvia Jeronimo · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it is a brief history, this book proved to be a comprehensive study without being overwhelming in its presentation. It often left me squirming in my western, baptist, non denom boots yet it challenges a new paradigm of thinking about cultural, historical and denominational influences on Christian spiritual practices. Were these people and movements truly pious or borderline heretical? Puts a new meaning to working out your salvation with fear and trembling. Appreciated the practical suggestions, responses and meditative prompts.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is indeed only a "brief history" but as an introduction to the topic provides a lot to think about.
I appreciated that the author looked at Christian spirituality from several different angles (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Western, non western etc). Each chapter gave exercises to help give experience in different spiritual practices and also had further suggested reading for the topic discussed.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light and readable, but full of good content. An excellent primer on the history of Christian orthopraxis. I appreciated his inclusion of non-western/European voices. Were I to teach a class on Christian Spirituality 101, this would likely be among the required texts.

[Daniel Supimpa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fair introduction to the topic of Christian Spirituality from a Protestant standpoint. The book is quite clear and is helpful for those aiming to "test the waters", but superficial for those with some former knowledge of the Christian tradition.

[Ash Toumayants · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good way to learn the different sects within Christianity. There was a lot that frustrated me in this book. It amazes me how little we can have in common with other Christians and still be considered part of the same family.

[Nate Stacheruk · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview of Church History overall as well as a history of Spirituality. Definitely a recommendation to anyone who wishes to have a truly historically grounded Spirituality.

[Rob Markley · Rating 4 out of 5]

For all that this is dripping with anti western leftist academia ideology, apart from that, this actually has a lot of good stuff to share about aspects of spirituality. Holt provides a selective but quite comprehensive sample of approaches to spirituality across and throughout Christian history. What he has to say on each of these is quite insightful and practical. Albeit that a book of this size can only be a primer, there is good reference material and overall a corrective to any thought that there might be only one approach to faith.

[Peggy Troyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really different angle on church history, this book deals with spiritual practices over the ages. Great bibliography for further reading on intriguing topics. Avoids denominational bias by covering them all.

[Liddy Barlow · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very basic overview of the history of Christian spirituality (and so much of Christian history in general as well). This is a useful resource to have, despite its superficiality.

[Nancy Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is dense but a fairly thorough overview. Good stuff.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would never read this if not for class, but overall a good introduction. I liked the author's voice a lot.