A History of Christian Spirituality: An Analytical Introduction

by Urban T. Holmes III

This modern classic explores the key concepts and people who have shaped our Christian spiritual heritage .

Concise and readable Holmes begins this introduction to Christian spirituality with the Jewish antecedents, and proceeds through the New Testament period, monasticism, the Middle Ages, Byzantine spirituality, and the modern period. Holmes ends his overview with key contemporary figures such as Simone Weil, Thomas Merton, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Brief bibliographies of the books written by each notable figure are included for those who wish to read more extensively.

A History of Christian Spirituality is the perfect book for introductory classes at the M. Div. level, for diaconate programs, lay people or parish study classes of all Christian denominations, and for any reference collection. This is a unique and invaluable learning tool and reference for readers, students, or teachers who want a quick explanation of the significance of a person or idea, or who are interested in a broad overview of the entire field.

Genres: Religion, Theology, Spirituality

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Urban Tigner Holmes, III (June 12, 1930-August 6, 1981) was an Episcopal priest, theologian, and academic during the twentieth century. He was the son of Urban T. Holmes Jr. and Margaret Allen Gemmell Holmes. Following studies at the University of North Carolina, he studied for the priesthood at the former Philadelphia Divinity School. He served as dean of the School of Theology of the University of the South from 1973 until his death.

Reviews

[Alex Strohschein · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a decent condensed history of Christian spirituality, divided into three sections (the early church, the Middle Ages, and the modern period) which feature snippets and snapshots of key figures who have contributed to Christian spirituality across the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant traditions. Along with the usual suspects such as the Cappadocians, Hugh of St. Victor, Bernard of Clairvaux, Martin Luther, and John Wesley one also learns about lesser-known figures including Synesius of Cyrene, Raymond Lull, and Lawrence Scupoli.

However, I have never encountered a writer so abrupt and dismissive when it comes to figures they are writing about. Urban T. Holmes does not offer John Bunyan, the Pietists, and others the charity they deserve. On page 144 one reads Holmes pontificating:

"The English evangelicals, being [sic] with William Wilberforce, are compassionate do-gooders, but no spiritual giants. The Tractarians are equally uninspiring. John Keble...is sweet, but limited. Edward Pusey...is erudite, arrogant, and boring."

Again, this is a satisfactory introduction to the history of Christian spirituality but readers should be aware that Holmes makes no pretensions to being objective.

[J. Marshall Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A treasure from a man ahead of his time

Urban Holmes died 40 years ago, but this is one of many books he left that speak as much or more to our time. He correctly anticipated the importance of mature approaches to spirituality for the church and the individual. Remarkably, his History of Christian Spirituality offers a concise yet thoroughly informative and critical orientation to Christian spiritual traditions while serving as a formative resource for the person who seeks to live a contemplative life. Holmes left us a treasure.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Holmes has done us a good service in writing such a book. As far as I'm aware, there really isn't anything like it -- a history of Christian spirituality/prayer from the ancient church up through the modern church. If there were other such books, the rating would likely be lower as Holmes' strong bias toward the more apophatic realm of prayer grated on me throughout. Further, while he's done well in condensing such a huge swath of history so concisely, his knowledge is clearly stronger in certain areas and he tends to dwell there (even if the areas are at times relatively obscure). All told, it's a must read if you want to study this area, but otherwise I'd steer toward more practical stuff. The one thing I would suggest that he does that is particularly invaluable is his chart of 'types' of spirituality. A very helpful diagram I'll use for a long time, I'm sure.

[Dennis Podryadchikov · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprisingly concise review of different giants of Christian spirituality. Homes does a fine job of analyzing each historical character and their influence. His introduction is worthy of attention in itself, as he provides a helpful grid against which to evaluate each spiritual mystic. Any one interested in history of spirituality and spiritual formation can learn about major figures by reading these 160 pages.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this because it is the work that Corinne Ware used as the basis for her book on spiritual types. The book by Holmes book was helpful, but not as thorough as I expected. It's more of an expanded outline of his analytical categories.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the 10 books I would keep if I had to get rid of my book but 10. It has helped me with my spirituality and with parishioners.