Overview

In a culture intrigued by various forms of """"spirituality,"""" this study invites readers to explore the deep, historically rooted resources of the Christian spiritual classics. It is an invitation to seek the transformative presence of God - the kingdom of God within our hearts - through the spiritual classics. These classics, formed in the matrix of meditation on Scripture, are like road maps that provide invaluable wisdom and guidance for the spiritual journey. Illustrating the importance of theologically grounded spirituality, A Luminous Life draws from Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant classics that stem from rich trinitarian and christological reflection. This book explores key themes in the spiritual classics, including biblical images and historical models of spiritual development, prayer, fasting, solitude and community, the cross and suffering, the desert, spiritual direction, and contemplation and action. This study seeks to bridge the academic and ecclesial, demonstrating that the life of the mind and life in the Spirit are unified, that theological reflection and spiritual formation go together. Considering exemplary writings from diverse traditions, such as the Desert Fathers, Maximus the Confessor, Teresa of Avila, and John Calvin, A Luminous Life draws readers into worshipful reflection on God and formation in Christ. The book concludes with the encouragement to ongoing, prayerful study of the spiritual classics: as fuel for the luminous life.

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9781498279291

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Reviews

Recent attention has been given to classical Christian doctrine and pastoral care, but few have written so clearly and comprehensively on classical spirituality as Brock Bingaman. Highly recommended! --Bradley Nassif, North Park University What a joy to read A Luminous Life! A 'must-read' because it shines with a clear vision of spiritual living with God, is beautifully written, sound in theological grounding, broad in ecumenical inclusion, rich in historical sources, and above all, intensely practical in its application to everyday life. --Alexander F. Venter, church planter and pastor, Johannesburg, South Africa The new synthesis of charismatic/evangelical and Orthodox and Catholic forms of spirituality is reflected in fresh publications. A Luminous Life is one such publication. It is excellent! --Derek Morphew, Vineyard Theological Consulting Our fathers and mothers in the faith have left us a treasury of resources upon which to draw. . . . In this work born of his own searching, Brock Bingaman provides a readable guide to the wisdom of the Christian past, mining our rich heritage and reflecting on the insights of great teachers in ways that illuminate the Christian life today. --David F. Watson, United Theological Seminary Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Christian writers provide the sources for a careful exploration of spirituality in ways that that not only invite the reader to learn more deeply but also to incorporate prayerfully and actively deep insights into daily life. --Susan A. Ross, Loyola University Chicago

Recent attention has been given to classical Christian doctrine and pastoral care, but few have written so clearly and comprehensively on classical spirituality as Brock Bingaman. Highly recommended! --Bradley Nassif, North Park University What a joy to read A Luminous Life! A 'must-read' because it shines with a clear vision of spiritual living with God, is beautifully written, sound in theological grounding, broad in ecumenical inclusion, rich in historical sources, and above all, intensely practical in its application to everyday life. --Alexander F. Venter, church planter and pastor, Johannesburg, South Africa The new synthesis of charismatic/evangelical and Orthodox and Catholic forms of spirituality is reflected in fresh publications. A Luminous Life is one such publication. It is excellent! --Derek Morphew, Vineyard Theological Consulting Our fathers and mothers in the faith have left us a treasury of resources upon which to draw. . . . In this work born of his own searching, Brock Bingaman provides a readable guide to the wisdom of the Christian past, mining our rich heritage and reflecting on the insights of great teachers in ways that illuminate the Christian life today. --David F. Watson, United Theological Seminary Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Christian writers provide the sources for a careful exploration of spirituality in ways that that not only invite the reader to learn more deeply but also to incorporate prayerfully and actively deep insights into daily life. --Susan A. Ross, Loyola University Chicago

Author Information

Brock Bingaman is the founding director of All Saints Center for Theology, Spirituality, and Leadership at Our Lord's Community Church in Oklahoma City, where he also serves as lead pastor. Formerly, Brock served as Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. His books include All Things New: The Trinitarian Nature of the Human Calling in Maximus the Confessor and Jürgen Moltmann (2014); and The Philokalia: A Classic Text of Orthodox Spirituality (2012) (edited with Bradley Nassif).

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