Christian Spiritual Formation: An Integrated Approach for Personal and Relational Wholeness
"In this book students of Christian spirituality will find a helpful resource jam-packed with scholarly insights and practical help. Diane Chandler introduces students to a wide range of Christian thought and contemporary scholarship. She constructs a holistic approach to Christian spiritual formation on the cornerstones of Christian discipleship, such as the imitation of God and Christ, the love of God,imago Deiand stewardship. Perhaps the book's greatest strength is its stubborn refusal to segregate holiness and spirituality from 'real world' arenas such as finances, food, family and friendship." (Jason B. Hood, author of Imitating God in Christ)"This well-researched study grounds Christian spiritual formation on a trinitarian and biblical foundation that expands to cover the basic formative dimensions of life. Particularly helpful are the often-neglected areas of vocation and physical health as they relate to Christian spirituality. Chandler is to be commended for this valuable resource that is appropriate for both the classroom and the church." (Tom Schwanda, associate professor of Christian formation and ministry, Wheaton College)"Using an integrated and multidisciplinary approach, Chandler discusses seven dimensions of personal growth in conformity to the image and likeness of God. She does it with amazing clarity and theological integrity. The result is a book that covers about every conceivable aspect of Christian spiritual formation and could well serve as a handy reference on the subject. A remarkable achievement!" (Simon Chan, Trinity Theological College, Singapore)"Diane Chandler has provided a much-needed service in the field of Christian formation by integrating the spiritual dimension of formation with the larger elements of human existence. While writings in each of the seven areas of human formation are plentifully available, I know of no resource that attempts the integration Chandler has provided." (M. Robert Mulholland Jr., professor of New Testament, Asbury Theological Seminary)