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? -- Mary Frohlich, Catholic Theological Union 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. * Spiritus:A Journal Of Christian Spirituality * Great potential for use in stimulating down-to-earth class discussions about how and why one engages in specific research projects in spirituality. * Catholic Theological Union *
