Exploring The Spirituality Of The Gospels

Within each of the four gospels there is a foundational spirit, a spirituality of the gospels. That is to say, each gospel contains rich images and values central to the Vision of the person of Jesus' and to the path toward spiritual transformation in his image. In this volume Patrick Hartin first looks at each gospel and asks such questions as Who is Jesus? and What transformation does this encounter with Jesus invite? Hartin then follows with examples of people who have appropriated the transformative power of these particular spiritualties from Saint Antony and Dorothy Day to Saint Augustine and Archbishop Romero. Hartin's twofold approach gives us a deeper appreciation for the spiritual dimension of the gospels and helps us to be transformed in Christ by their message and Vision. Patrick J. Hartin was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. He studied at the Gregorian University in Rome and is an ordained priest of the Diocese of Spokane, Washington. He presently teaches courses in the New Testament and in Classical Civilizations at Gonzaga University. He is the author of numerous books, including: James, First Peter, Jude, Second Peter (New Collegeville Bible Commentary series), James (Sacra Pagina series),and Apollos (Paul's Social Network series), al published by Liturgical Press. Featured in this season's newest Little Rock Scripture Study! Click here "

Probably no other works of ancient literature have had a greater influence on religious life and thought than the Four Gospels. Certainly no other works have been the subject of such intense study by those determined to learn more about the Gospels' central, often enigmatic, figure. And yet, despite the bewildering variety of scholarly approaches, few have sought to interpret the Gospels in terms of the distinctive spirituality that each contains and seeks to evoke in its readers. That is the aim of this important new book -- to help today's readers explore what each Gospel has to offer when viewed by its own right as a classic of Western spirituality. Written in a clear, non-technical style, the fresh perspectives this work presents will open new vistas on the familiar stories about the life, teaching, and ultimate significance of Jesus.

The authors rush headlong into "The Matrix," exploring the trilogy's intricate details, religious undertones, and eclectic philosophies.

Jesus’ spiritual practices examied for today's believers to follow

A short, handy guide to the Gospel of Matthew for all who want to explore the first book of the New Testament in group study or on their own.

"In the first part of this volume, the author pays special attention to the Jewish foundations of Christianity before examining in detail the teaching and influence of Jesus, the Primitive Church and St. Paul, the Synoptic Gospels, the Johnannine writings, the Epistle to the Hebrews and the epistles linked with the names of Peter, James and Jude. Part Two describes and discusses the spirituality of the first Christian generations, the martyrs, the problem of Gnosis in its different manifestations, the different schools of monasticism and mysticism in Eastern and Western Christianity and the writings and teachings of the Fathes, concluding with St. Benedict. This history will be, in the final analysis, the search for, and the bringing to light of, the integral witness of tradition and of Christian experience to the whole concrete reality of 'life in Christ Jesus'." [Book jacket].

Luke's Gospel was written to transform. In its original context, readers would have seen a portrait of Jesus as an ideal teacher and king, able to shape his people through exemplary leadership. They would have come to the Gospel expecting to be changed for God's purposes through the imitation of Jesus' lifestyle and adoption of his teaching. When today's readers approach the text in the same way, they can be transformed too. Spiritual Practices of Jesus explores Luke's portrait of the spirituality of Jesus, focusing on the themes of simplicity, humility, and prayer in his life and teaching. After establishing the likely thought patterns of Luke's first readers, Catherine Wright considers how Jesus models these three values and then explores how different readers have understood and employed key Lukan passages for spiritual formation, beginning with a first-century audience and tracing the reception of these texts in the ancient church. Demonstrating a theological interpretation of Jesus' spirituality grounded in church tradition, this accessible book combines New Testament studies and spiritual formation to provide fresh insight into the biblical text. Wright invites readers to join with Luke's earliest readers in adopting ancient spiritual practices that still hold the potential to revolutionize our relationships with money, ourselves, others, and God. Luke's Gospel reveals that as we individually and corporately imitate Jesus, we live lives of greater authenticity, are oriented toward his kingdom, and are transformed by his manner of life.

Among the many strands in Christian spirituality, one of the most esteemed bears the name of St Ignatius Loyola. In recent years Ignatian spirituality has experienced a resurgence and is attracting interest from across the range of Christian denominations and from every walk of life. There has been a widespread desire to learn more about Ignatius and his legacy, and many people have made the Spiritual Exercises in one of its many forms and have grown through the experience. God Ever Greater is written to appeal, not only to those who are looking for an introduction to Ignatian spirituality, but also to those who have some acquaintance with the Ignatian tradition. It will draw its readers into an exploration of a rich Christian heritage that continues to live and breathe today.