For more than a generation now, we have seen a renewal of interest among Christians in the spiritual disciplines. There has been much good in this renewal. But too many have emphasized technique and skill, with the unfortunate diminishing, or neglect, of God’s role as supplier and provider. Too often the stress has been on the individual’s initiative and effort, with little said about the place of the church and the corporate nature of God’s plan. Much has been said in terms of duty, and too little said about joy.
