Spiritual Theology: The Theology of Yesterday for Spiritual Help Today
Diogenes Allen’s new book . . . begins with an autobiographical exploration as to his discovery of ‘spiritual theology’ after years of being ‘a teacher of philosophy and theology to students preparing to be ministers.’“This introduction is helpful and sets the scene for Allen’s endeavour, which is to open up the depths and vistas of the Great Tradition as a practice of holy living—a bodily practice of learning ‘to live every moment of one’s life with an awareness of God.’ Allen writes fluently, and in eleven shortish chapters covers the classical pattern of the spiritual journey as it has been repeatedly performed in the tradition. Above all his work bears the very real enthusiasm of a ‘convert’ who you sense is discovering something for the first time and is exceptionally eager to pass it on. (David Moss, St. Stephen’s HouseNew Directions)C. S. Lewis once wrote ofThe Imitation of Christthat ‘it is not addressed to our condition.’ It suggests, for example, that scholars and writers hide themselves in the study when they should be helping in the kitchen. . . . The main thrust of this book is addressed directly to our condition. It is concerned with how we may live in the presence of God, and grow in the spiritual life. . . .“The author draws on the whole sweep of theology and spirituality throughout the ages, and makes substantial connections between, for example, Calvin’s Institutes and the life of prayer, Gregory of Nyssa and the goal of Christian spirituality, and Iris Murdoch and moral awareness.“The book is accessible in the best sense, not patronizing or simplistic, but clear, well illustrated, and free from theological jargon. It is a good and useful book which will take a thoughtful reader into the rich tradition of theological spirituality. (Philip CroweTheology)I was glad to see the first chapter of this book entitled ‘What is Spiritual Theology?’ as that was the first question that came to my mind when I wondered whether or not to read it, given that I do not like theology and have never heard of the spiritual variety. . . . In a way, Diogenes Allen’s opening is an easy one, clearly and kindly written, citing examples from all ages and branches of Christian history. . . . “Allen examines the most common reasons why people seek God, starting with distress in the face of troubles such as natural disasters. He writes well. All the motives he mentions for God-seeking are well explained, with the help of extracts from his customary wealth of sources. …“Perhaps it is because I am a Catholic that I settled down most comfortably when I was past conversion and on to the eight deadly thoughts (or seven deadly sins, as they were called when I first learnt about them). Allen’s account of the difference between lust and sexual instinct is just one of those in this chapter which I thought a masterpiece. His piece on the dark night of the soul is wonderful. . . . “By the time I had finished his chapters on ‘The Book of Scripture’ and ‘The Book of Nature,’ I was feeling positively inspired. It was a bit of a relief to find the end of the book discussing the growing closeness of God in terms of a habitual presence for spiritual theologians rather than a moment of ecstasy. . . . “The book . . . is only 161 paperback pages of text, of which the central matter-of-fact core of advice will be good to have at hand while fighting one’s way through life. (Teresa McLeanThe American Spectator)