Minding the Spirit: The Study of Christian Spirituality - Softcover

Elizabeth A. Dreyer is a professor of religious studies at Fairfield University in Connecticut and the author of Earth Crammed with Heaven, The Cross in Christian Tradition, and Passionate Spirituality. Mark S. Burrows a is professor of the history of Christianity at the Andover Newton Theological School and editor of Biblical Hermeneutics in Historical Perspective.

"This is a collection of 25 articles... Several stand out as particularly helpful in understanding how the study of spirituality has become an academic discipline."

"Minding the Spirit is a splendid opportunity for scholars and lay readers alike to listen in on an extended and engaging conversation by pioneering scholars whose work has given birth to the new field of spirituality. Well crafted and perceptively designed, this volume of lively essays is a major and first-rate contribution to this burgeoning yet youthful field of spirituality."

"Fortunately, we now have in one book the basic documents needed to deal with questions and concerns central to academic study of Christian spirituality. Here the 'founding mothers and fathers' of this new discipline clearly present their convictions regarding such issues as: what distinguishes this field from others? what characterizes its method? how can it be both self-implicating and critical? Written by seasoned faculty, these essays are excellent examples of how to practice what you teach."

"Ably edited... Merits study by all persons who have a serious interest in spirituality."

"I shall be referring to it frequently and recommending it to my students."

"This book is essential for those engaged in the academic study of spirituality."

"The book has a broad appeal to specialists in spirituality and theology, pedagogues, and graduate and upper-undergraduate level students."

"Once I began reading this text, the challenges and depth of thought drew me in. Every chapter contains quotable ideas and captures a bit of the numinous we seek!"

"Not just clever... It goes to the heart of one of the central issues involved in the study of spirituality."