Practices of Love
Spiritual Disciplines for the Life of the World
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
Spiritual disciplines are often viewed primarily as a means to draw us closer to God. While these practices do deepen and enrich our "vertical" relationship with God, Kyle David Bennett argues that they were originally designed to positively impact our "horizontal" relationships--with neighbors, strangers, enemies, friends, family, animals, and even the earth. Bennett explains that this "horizontal" dimension has often been overlooked or forgotten in contemporary discussions of the spiritual disciplines.
This book offers an alternative way of understanding the classic spiritual disciplines that makes them relevant, doable, and meaningful for everyday Christians. Bennett shows how the disciplines are remedial practices that correct the malformed ways we do everyday things, such as think, eat, talk, own, work, and rest. Through personal anecdotes, engagement with Scripture, and vivid cultural references, he invites us to practice the spiritual disciplines wholesale and shows how changing the way we do basic human activities can bring healing, renewal, and transformation to our day-to-day lives and the world around us.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Bennett's unique and satisfying work on meditation contrasts the standard view of meditation as a vertical affair (persons connecting with deity) with a horizontal perspective (contemplation as a way of connecting with and serving others). "Spiritual disciplines play a central part in our sanctification as believers and in God's renewal of all things," he writes. He goes on to provide a manual for reconfiguring the believer's inner struggle toward experiencing God's presence in the lives of ordinary people. Bennett's message is clear and concise as he continually refers back to his basic tenets. For instance: "At the heart of service is the idea that our time, energy, hands, and goals belong to God." A total, all-encompassing view of sanctification emerges in every page of this challenging work, which extends an invitation to all who call themselves believers. Bennett effectively implores readers to reach beyond the vertical view of worship and understand the importance of reverencing all of God's creation.