Rebuilding the Temple: Spirituality in Classic Christian Literature

by Robert P. Vande Kappelle

Overview

As the Bible indicates, our lives are a construction zone, for our bodies are temples of the divine Spirit. Formed initially in the image of God, human beings lost intimacy with God through corruption, rebellion, or neglect. In response, the divine Creator loves us back into relationship, providing means of grace to help restore us to wholeness, beginning with our body and continuing through our mind, soul, and spirit. As buildings need cleaning, maintenance, and ongoing care, so our inner temple needs spiritual stimulus, cleaning, and care. Rebuilding the Temple is the fourth book in Vande Kappelle's series on spirituality and the arts. Books in this series reinforce the essential principle underlying all authentic spirituality: "Go deep in any one place and you will meet the infinite aliveness that is God, for God is everywhere!" Whereas earlier books consider the connection of spirituality with creative arts such as poetry, film, music, theater, drama, dance, and modern literature, this volume takes readers on a journey through classic Christian literature, beginning with the Bible and continuing through inspirational works written by diverse spiritual mentors such as Augustine, Dante, Luther, Calvin, Teresa of Avila, George Fox, Blaise Pascal, Henri Nouwen, A. W. Tozer, John McLaren, John Shelby Spong, Richard Rohr, and Marcus Borg. Reading their works reminds us that Christian literature is most practical and inspirational when it takes a narrative approach to theology, interpreting the spiritual journey through the ongoing stories of people and communities rather than trying to capture timeless truths analytically or through rational argumentation. Like its companion texts, Wading on Water, Deep Splendor, and Deeper Splendor, this volume is useful for individual or group study. Each chapter concludes with questions suitable for discussion or reflection.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781666742039
Publisher:	Wipf & Stock Publishers
Publication date:	04/21/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	252
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Robert P. Vande Kappelle is professor emeritus of religious studies at Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania, and an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), is the author of more than thirty books, including biblical commentaries and volumes on ethics, church history, and spirituality. Recent titles include The Second Journey, Understanding Scripture, Outgrowing Cultic Christianity, The Church Alumni Association, and The Arc of Spirituality.


Robert P. Vande Kappelle is professor emeritus of religious studies at Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania, and an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He is the author of forty books, including biblical commentaries, volumes on ethics and church history, and discussion guides on faith, theology, and spirituality. Recent titles include Holistic Happiness, Radical Discipleship, A Bible for Today, Christlikeness, and Soul Food: 106 Stories for Life’s Journey.