Thirsty for God: A Brief History of Christian Spirituality

by Bradley P. Holt

A landmark text on the history of Christian, this accessible history provides an excellent primer on the two-millennium quest for union with God. Holt traces the practice of Christian devotion, prayer, and contemplation from early Christianity through the Reformation and modern eras. Globally framed, the book highlights the local contributions of people from a wide array of traditions.

This updated edition provides perspective on spirituality in the digital age and in a globalized world. It also includes new bibliographies, spiritual exercises. discussion questions, and an online resource guide.

Genres: Spirituality, Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction, Christian History

315 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2009

Reviews

[Hanna Weinheimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really wonderful introduction/summary of Church history and expressions of Christian spirituality throughout the ages. As someone who is not a big theological/academic, this short work was a wonderful gateway that swung wide the doors of my imagination and horizons on what a life with God can look like. To read about the wisdom and perspectives of humans in different times, places, and cultures on this subject was a breath of fresh air for me, and certainly left me thirsty for more.

[Suzy G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful read especially if you have never taken a church history course. The last chapter on interfaith practices was thought provoking, and I am intrigued to learn more on what people think about this.

[Robert Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Professor Holt's work is an excellent survey that is incomplete in many areas. Please note that being incomplete is a part of the very nature of conducting a survey. A complete treatise on the history of Christian spirituality would be a massive undertaking.

Professor Holt's work is also starting to be out of date in some areas. His writing style often struck me as unintentionally inaccurate given the events since the publication of his survey. One example is the lack of attention on Korea when considering Christianity outside of the Western hemisphere. Time corrects all of us as the years pass and I have no doubt that anything I would have written would have the same issues.

Overall it is a good book and Amazon is very happy with me for the purchases I have made of other books and authors referenced by Professor Holt. I am glad that I took the time to read this book thoroughly and slowly.

[A.J. Mendoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holt provides a sufficient overview of different spiritual figures and movements throughout the years. Though he does allow his own biases to give their opinions, he does a good job separating that from the discussion at hand. He also does a great job giving voice to spirituality found in different continents. Holt is a traveler and he uses his own personal experiences to give breath to these conversations. Would recommend for a college reading level individual that wishes to study the history of Christian spirituality.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holt gives an overview of many important figures and movements throughout Christian spiritual history, as well as a brief overview of several other major religions and well-known practitioners of those faiths as well. He ends with an important chapter on creation care. I was in search for a book on the history of spiritual formation and after finding nothing, an Amma recommended this book to me. I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to read this.

[Kristin Dolliff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book for a class and it’s not something I would normally choose. I will say after reading it I do believe it’s important for our journey as Christians to learn about the history of Christian Spirituality. This book also gives a brief history of other religions and ideas. I truly appreciate Holt’s perspective and the way he presents ideas.

[Drew Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful brief history of Christian spirituality that highlights major themes and figures from various movements along with helpful practical suggestions to engaged different spiritual practices and traditions.

[Daniel Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely takes some commitment to get through it, but I especially appreciated seeing the history of Christian Spirituality through the ages. In particular, I think of emphasizing God's love as a newer emphasis in Christianity, but it's been a primary emphasis since the beginning.

[Denise P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great overview of Christian practice and spirituality. The historical perspective is helpful for those who are seeking to mesh modern practice with Christian tradition.