Spirituality Old & New: Recovering Authentic Spiritual Life

by Donald G. Bloesch

Donald Bloesch surveys this history of Christian thinking on the nature of the spiritual life. In his own charitable, ecumenical yet evangelical way he provides incisive guidance toward a genuine Christian spirituality that is firmly rooted in biblical faith and fully aware of the positive contributions of various streams of Christian tradition, while critically engaging the current plethora of options being offered today.

Genres: Theology

196 pages, Paperback

First published May 11, 2007

Reviews

[Gregory Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book that helped me view Christian history differently. It does a really good job of connecting classical era philosophy to the emergence of Christianity. In other words, the questions of human existence have been around forever. There's much to appreciate about Bloesch's command of both historical and modern theology. While I am not a theologian, I found that the author consistently emphasized depth and richness, rather than taking a pragmatic and easy way out.

I'll save the summary for a formal reviewer, but let's just say that the three major types of "spiritual life" that Bloesch discusses resonated with me. It really struck me as a book that "tells it like it is" even though it covered some rather complex material. I am already looking forward to reading it again more closely.

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had really enjoyed the previous books I had read by Bloesch, so I was really looking forward to this one. It is very interesting as far as it goes, but I found myself wondering how accurately Bloesch is presenting the points of view he disagrees with, especially as he is trying to bring together so many people and ideas in each of the three types of spirituality he covers. He acknowledges that there are differences among the people he discusses in each type, and that some have elements of more than one type, but most of the time he describes various characteristics of each type of spirituality and gives a lot of quotes. The reader could easily think that the different people he quotes share the views of the others he is quoting in the same section, except when he specifically mentions where they don't, and I question how much this is the case, especially in the section on new spirituality. He makes some interesting points, but frankly I would have preferred a longer book that went into more depth on many points.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bloesch's book was not exactly what I expected. It includes three different forms of spirituality: classical mysticism, biblical personalism, and the new spirituality. His discussion of mysticism was often true, but felt too harsh and generalized (his seventh chapter of comparison is more generous). I am inclined to be more charitable to many in the Christian mystical tradition, especially since few are inclined to follow their strict disciplines today. Bloesch's reappraisal of what he calls the biblical personal view, which he has outlined more fully in his theological work, was engaging and enlightening. "Biblical spirituality focuses not on the human quest for god but on God's search for humanity." This chapter is thick with underlining as Bloesch gets to the heart of a true Christian spirituality. His account of the new spirituality is more troubling because it seemed to try and categorize thinkers from too many places with just one description - what do Emerson, Matthew Fox, and Jurgen Moltmann have in common? How do you mix New Age in with scientific rationalism, liberation theology, and open theism? In the end that chapter is not satisfying, a little bit cranky, but the entire book does encourage me to go back to Bloesch's older books on prayer and piety (as well as theology) to expand on the challenge of his conception of biblical personalism.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book advocating a moderate, Pietistic spirituality. The author, Donald Bloesch, was the son of a German Evangelical pastor (same background as the church I pastor). Both of his grandfathers came from Germany as missionary pastors.

This book exemplifies a spirituality shaped by the beliefs of a church like mine (grounded in the Protestant Reformation, seeking a balance between Word and Spirit). Bloesch contrasts what he sees as true biblical spirituality (a Word & Spirit spirituality) with other forms of spirituality (the heavily ritualistic, sacerdotal form, the mystical form, and the secular form).

The book focuses on the contrast with the mystical and the secular, but he briefly touches on the contrast with the heavily ritualistic saying,

"Ritual prayer ... has always posed a significant threat to biblical faith because its emphasis has been on outward performance rather than on inward conversion."

That quote captures the pietistic spirit of Bloesch with his emphasis on conversion and the experience of faith.

I agree with Bloesch's approach, which can be seen in my own spirituality and in how I shape worship as a worship leader.

[Todd Miles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bloesch contrasts evangelical spirituality with Christian mysticism (the ancients) and the new spirituality of the day. In typical Bloesch fashion, the coverage is immense and impressive. He is thorough in his analysis and orthodox in his convictions. This was a helpful book. It exposes the roots (platonic, neo-platonic, pagan) of so much is is passing for Christian spirituality today. He also brings a helpful critique against Christian mysticism, while still seeing benefit in some of what was written.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite theology books

Bloesch writes beautifully a theology that balances an exegesis of culture while remaining faithful to the Bible. This guide to spirituality helps describe a mission all biblical theology that, for me, is worth carefully reading as it can guide a conversation on contemporary spirituality without dismissing the real questions or leaving biblical faith. Great read!