Zondervan - Dictionary of Christian Spirituality

The combination of substantial reflective essays on major themes in Christian spirituality and sharply focused articles on major figures and topics provides a rich mixture of insight, information, and inspiration. Spirituality can be a subject that wafts into the ether, but in this broadly ecumenical and very well-balanced work, it is presented with real substance and genuine edification.

Mark A. Noll, Francis A. McAnaney Professor of History, University of Notre Dame; author, Jesus Christ and the Life of the Mind

The very publication of this work speaks to the contemporary interest in spirituality. So much spirituality, however, is uninformed, shallow, and vague. All the more reason to welcome this important dictionary. It is impressive in its scope, wide in what is included, and deep in the intent to strengthen life in the Spirit of Christ. Scan a few entries, and it will be evident what a valuable resource this can be. I cannot imagine a dictionary on spirituality that is all prose. So I was delighted to see the entries on, for example, Poetry, and Hopkins. Dont miss them.

Leighton Ford, President, Leighton Ford Ministries

The Dictionary of Christian Spirituality is a well-researched, comprehensive study of Christian Spirituality from a broad evangelical perspective. Particularly insightful are the thirty-four extensive Integrative Essays that cover nearly the first third of the book. The almost 700 alphabetized entries fill in multiple details and make connections between movements, ideas, and significant leaders throughout Christian history. While covering the entire range of Christian spirituality, special attention is given to persons of evangelical persuasion who have had significant impact over the centuries. This distinguishing characteristic provides an important corrective to a long-neglected omission. I give the Dictionary of Christian Spirituality my highest recommendation.

Richard J. Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline

Engaging, comprehensive, informative, broad in perspective. Who thinks it is fun to read a dictionary? This one is! This is a dictionary to be read for enjoyment as well as information. The essays and articles are freshly written, thorough but concise. The Dictionary of Christian Spirituality reflects the deep respect and appreciation the writers have for their topics. Reading this dictionary is like taking a finely tuned course in the topics included. The essays and dictionary entries portray the complex and diverse history of the Christian church embodied in women and men and the contexts of their times and cultures. Many readers will delve into these volumes seeking information about particular topics. I was fascinated and drawn from article to article... appreciating the fine scholarship, depth of research reflected, and careful writing that make the Dictionary of Christian Spirituality an excellent resource.

Jeannette A. Bakke, author of Holy Invitations: Exploring Spiritual Direction; retired professor, Bethel Seminary

This is not the only dictionary about Christian spirituality in town. There are many around and some of them very good. But this one, with its global interests and spiritual zeal, has an energy and breadth that lifts it into a new league. Moreover, as well as making a very good job of expanding our knowledge of Christian spirituality and all the sources that have shaped it, this important volume steers the reader through the people, movements, and issues with a reliable, generous, and grace-focused wisdom. It is a source not just of information about Christian spirituality but of real formation, through the Spirit, in the life of Christ.

Christopher Cocksworth, Bishop of Coventry, Church of England

The more I read in the Dictionary of Christian Spirituality, the more I wanted to read more! The initial essays provide a thoroughly excellent foundation, and the alphabetized entries that follow leave us intrigued to read others. I highly recommend this dictionary for all Christians, especially those who want to grow in their active practices of various spiritual disciplines, their devoted love for God and neighbor, and their fervent thanksgiving for global saints and the myriad ways God works in the world.

Marva J. Dawn, Teaching Fellow in Spiritual Theology at Regent College, Vancouver, BC

Scholarship with a soul! This is a book like no otherscholarly breadth with spiritual depth in a dictionary. So many have written so much about Christian spirituality that it is difficult to connect the parts. Here is a readable resource that brings everything together. I kept turning the pages... not to read through, but to explore. Every article led me to another journey on a different page.

Leith Anderson, President, National Association of Evangelicals

The Dictionary of Christian Spirituality is a remarkable balance of broad, integrative essays and more than 700 succinct, informative dictionary entries. It combines a wide survey of the great movements in Christian spirituality while giving attention to the main contributors from all parts of the globe, past and present. The contributors include some of the great heavyweights of the movement while also incorporating significant voices from a variety of related disciplines and perspective. The work is a must-have resource for every able scholar, pastor, and follower of Jesus.

Gayle D. Beebe, President, Westmont College

General Editor

Glen G. Scorgie

Consulting Editors

Simon Chan

Gordon T. Smith

James D. Smith III

ZONDERVAN

Dictionary of Christian Spirituality

Copyright 2011 by Glen G. Scorgie, Simon Chan, Gordon T. Smith, and James D. Smith III

Requests for information should be addressed to:

Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

ePub Edition October 2016: 978-0-310-53103-6

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Dictionary of Christian spirituality / Glen G. Scorgie, general editor ; consulting editors: Simon Chan, Gordon T. Smith, James D. Smith III.

p. cm.

ISBN 978-0-310-29066-7 (hardcover, printed)

1. Spirituality. I. Scorgie, Glen G. II. Chan, Simon. III. Smith, Gordon T., 1953- IV. Smith, James D., 1951 Jan. 12

BV4501.3.D545 2011

248dc22 2010037314

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