i really enjoy the richness of the writings of the saints that have gone before us. that list includes everybody from Nouwen to Mother Theresa to Merton to de Sales. currently, most everything I read is related to school. and I find most of it compelling, especially a book that highlights the tradition of spiritual direction throughout the major chrisitan traditions. this week we’re looking at the episocopalian tradition. i have some history in the episcopal church…and like the tradition. therefore, this chapter is interesting. in conversation about the literary works of past theologians, the author writes “…trying to live in a mental frame of reference from several centrueis back is bad for you. spiritual maturity involves making some sort of treaty with present-day reality, including cultivating the ability to discern the presence of God within our own intellectual terms.” In other words, who, today, is writing stuff that provokes the church for an answer, puts people on edge about how they are living their life, and sparks the care of others like they did in the past? (I have some thoughts about this, but will wait to see what others might say.)
I don’t enjoy Max Lucado and the like. However, I have read several books that rank really close to the works of old. with the rise of the Shack, I wonder if we’ll see more writing in narrative form because it tends to be more relevant.
i think I’ll always long for a conversation with Thomas Merton.
