Invitation to Christian Spirituality: An Ecumenical Anthology

by John R. Tyson (Editor)

Bringing together a wide range of classical and contemporary texts, Invitation to Christian An Ecumenical Anthology addresses the theory and practice of Christian spirituality in the broadest sense. Arranged chronologically, the selections are drawn from all major Christian traditions, from Ignatius of Antioch (d. 117) to Desmond Mphilo Tutu, representing distillations from the formative works of seventy-six great spiritual masters. Issues examined include the church in the world (Diognetus, Las Casas), purity of intention (Kierkegaard, Phoebe Palmer), prayer (Origen of Alexandria, Hannah More), religious affectations (Jonathan Edwards, Martin Luther King), Christian freedom (Augustine, Martin Luther), Christian feminism (Dame Julian, Rosemary Ruether), and the means of grace (Maximus the Confessor, John Wesley). This timely, eclectic collection considers not only the mystical and theoretical aspects of Christian spirituality but also its practice; for example, it
includes readings about how to pray as well as notable prayers. Most selections include autobiographical materials from the authors that set the context for their writings. Opening with a theological survey of themes in Christian spirituality, this volume also includes a historical and theological orientation to each major period and a theological/biographical introduction to each spiritual master. Indexed by person, key word, and Bible references, Invitation to Christian Spirituality serves as an ideal text for courses in Christian spirituality, history of Christianity, and introduction to Christianity.

Genres: Spirituality, History, Nonfiction, Theology, Christian History, Grad School, Christian

474 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 1999

About the author

A life-long United Methodist, John R. Tyson was born in Pittsburgh, PA. He first became interested in the hymns of Charles Wesley as a child, when he sang them in the yellow-brick Center Avenue United Methodist Church, in Pitcairn, PA. He would subsequently become an internationally known expert in the life and work of Charles Wesley.

While trying his hand at Business Administration as a major, at Grove City College, Tyson experienced a call to ministry and switched to majors in History and Religion. He attended seminary at Asbury Theological Seminary, receiving the M.Div. After brief pastorates in Florida and Pennsylvania, he pursed doctoral studies at Drew University, earning the M.Phil. and Ph.D. in Theological and Religious Studies. Desiring to know more about his own theological heritage, he wrote his Ph.D. dissertation on “Charles Wesley’s Theology of the Cross.”

Tyson currently teaches Church History at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School and serves as Director of United Methodist Studies. Previous to coming to that post he taught at United Theological Seminary and Houghton College. He has authored more than 80 articles and conference papers, as well as having edited or written eight books. His most recent book The Great Athanasius: An Introduction to His Life and Work was published in 2017.
John is married to Jill Kingdon Tyson. They are raising four children. In his spare time he enjoys reading, writing, and sports. He is an avid Pirates, Penguins and Steelers fan.

Reviews

[Lori Eby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful collection of primary sources representing Christian writers and thinkers (of all sorts) throughout history.

[Ingrid Cribbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a helpful overview of the history of Christian spirituality.

[Scott Goodson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, except too long on the Wesley brothers.

[Jeff Valodine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A highly adequate reader on Christian spirituality covering 2,000 years of church history. Tyson selects authors from across the spectrum of spiritual traditions, within different cultural, political, and economical settings, giving voice to a wide variety of reflection and response to God's call on their lives. As with most readers, their are significant voices excluded due to an established purpose, scope, and simply space. Recommended as a introduction to the authors and their work contained in this volume and suggest the Classics of Western Spirituality for further reading.

[Vanessa Siemens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource