The Christian Path in a Pluralistic World and the Study of Spirituality

by Diana L. Villegas

Publisher:

Lexington Books

, 2011

Based on exploration of boundaries between spirituality and religion, this book argues that theological study of spirituality is important for interpretation of the Christian path in a pluralistic world. As a text for graduate study in spirituality and ministry, it explores relevant sociological studies, post modern culture, contemporary study of Christian spirituality, and a brief history of the relationship between theology and spirituality. The book argues that the revelation and tradition of Christianity understood and interpreted in the light of contemporary culture make a difference to postmodern persons’ quests for spirituality. What one believes and how one understands that belief influences the manner in which the Christian path is lived in a pluralistic, global world. The book discusses the role of religion in culture and the relevance of this for the identity of religious spirituality and the study of Christian spirituality.

Contents

Preface

Introduction

1 Cultural Developments in Spirituality: Postmodern Context

2 Studying Christian Spirituality: Changing Disciplinary Boundaries

3 Theology and Spirituality in Historical Perspective

4 Religion’s Role in Human Culture: Relevance for Spirituality

5 Contemporary Spirituality and Religious Self-understanding: Illustrations for Study

Bibliography

Index

Praise for The Christian Path in a Pluralistic World and the Study of Spirituality

This book squarely addresses a key issue for Christian spirituality (both academic and pastoral) in the U.S. today, namely: How is it possible to maintain authentic “Christian identity” in a highly pluralistic spiritual marketplace where most people have become somewhat eclectic in their beliefs and practices?

The book has a number of strengths that recommend it for use as a class text in graduate programs in spirituality especially if, as is hoped, a paperback edition is published at a more accessible price. First, it squarely confronts the reality that a great many students in such programs face namely, that they are committed (often as leaders) within religious traditions that have a defined set of values and beliefs but are daily confronted with a culture offering a smorgasbord of alternative options that bring in their wake different sets of values and beliefs. Second, the historical sections deal concisely, yet thoroughh', with the history that is important for understanding where we are currently in the academic discipline of spirituality. The presentation of the twentieth century historp including the work of such figures as Pourrat, de Guibert, Bernard, Schneiders, Principe, and Sheldrake, is especially well done and has not, so far as I know, been previously reviewed in such a format. Third, and perhaps most important, the last two chapters of the book have great potential for use in stimulating down-to-earth ciass discussions about how and why one engages in specific research projects in spirituality.

Great potential for use in stimulating down-to-earth class discussions about how and why one engages in specific research projects in spirituality.

Product Details

• Title : The Christian Path in a Pluralistic World and the Study of Spirituality
• Author: Villegas, Diana L.
• Publisher: Lexington Books
• Publication Date: 2011
• ISBN: 9780739168134

About Diana L. Villegas

Diana L. Villegas is an independent scholar who received her PhD in theology from Fordham University. She also has a psychotherapy practice with a specialty in integration of spirituality and psychotherapy.