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Do Christians Know How To Be Spiritual?: The Rise of New Spirituality and the Mission of the Church
After a century or more of convincing ourselves that intelligent people should be ‘secular’, it is now trendy to be ‘spiritual’. Why the sudden change? And what do we mean by being ‘spiritual’? John Drane presents a whirlwind tour of the phenomenon of cultural change as it is being experienced in the West, identifying the challenges and opportunities this presents to the Christian church. He examines the question of whether human beings are intrinsically programmed to be ‘spiritual’, offers theological reflection on the ‘New Age’ phenomenon and focuses on how the Christian community can connect with spiritual seekers in today’s world.
200 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 1, 2022
Yoooo
1. Readable. Transcribed(ish) from lectures.
2. Handles "others" with respect for their inherent dignity and we love to see it.
3. Really interesting insight into the aligning of Western/Capitalist/Modern/Institutional values/tactics with the Church and how confidence in the Church has declined, therefore, alongside the loss of confidence in these Western values/tactics/institutions.
4. Really yummy introduction of the concept of Roman vs. Celtic models, e.g., Celtic model: 'belonging before believing' Roman: "a strong control mechanism that insists on 'belief' before 'belonging' Celtic: theologically, an emphasis on blessing: God is more likely to be portrayed as joyful and playful rather than angry and resentful. Roman: theologically, an emphasis on sinning, and the portrayal of God as primarily angry and vengeful.
Just read it. Do it on this non-scholastic and non-comprehensive recommendation. Drane helpfully talks about the development of the church, spirituality in the non-churched, and gives genuinely helpful critiques and ideas for how we can better connect with each other, and, each of us on our search for the spiritual, with the life giving Gospel.
1. Readable. Transcribed(ish) from lectures.
2. Handles "others" with respect for their inherent dignity and we love to see it.
3. Really interesting insight into the aligning of Western/Capitalist/Modern/Institutional values/tactics with the Church and how confidence in the Church has declined, therefore, alongside the loss of confidence in these Western values/tactics/institutions.
4. Really yummy introduction of the concept of Roman vs. Celtic models, e.g., Celtic model: 'belonging before believing' Roman: "a strong control mechanism that insists on 'belief' before 'belonging' Celtic: theologically, an emphasis on blessing: God is more likely to be portrayed as joyful and playful rather than angry and resentful. Roman: theologically, an emphasis on sinning, and the portrayal of God as primarily angry and vengeful.
Just read it. Do it on this non-scholastic and non-comprehensive recommendation. Drane helpfully talks about the development of the church, spirituality in the non-churched, and gives genuinely helpful critiques and ideas for how we can better connect with each other, and, each of us on our search for the spiritual, with the life giving Gospel.
September 18, 2012
An excellent book worth reading by anyone in Christian ministry and trying to engage a de-Christianizing culture. Drane examines the trend away from organized religion in western society, but rather than decrying or lamenting it, he argues that people are just as spiritual as they have always been. They are simply pursuing nontraditional approaches to spirituality. His argument is that, for the sake of mission, Christians need to learn how to engage with these alternate forms of spirituality and the people who practice them.
Drane makes a compelling case, and his suggestions and insights are very helpful. As someone working with college students I agree with his assessment of the religious culture, and find his ideas helpful. We had already been using some in our ministry, and I am looking for more ways to apply Drane's suggestions.
Drane makes a compelling case, and his suggestions and insights are very helpful. As someone working with college students I agree with his assessment of the religious culture, and find his ideas helpful. We had already been using some in our ministry, and I am looking for more ways to apply Drane's suggestions.
August 12, 2011
I feel that this is a 'half-way' book. I am looking forward to 'After McDonaldlization' to take this on to the next stage
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews