Soul Shaper [Paperback]

Tony Jones (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2003 | Series: Soul Shaper (Book 4)

If you're unprepared for a book that makes faith come alive in practice, that makes past come alive in the present--and offers these gifts only if you're willing to spend significant time learning about the church's powerful, active spiritual heritage (and your place in it), then put this book down now. Still with us? Good! Because we really don't want you to miss this book. Soul Shaper is hands-down the most comprehensive primer on the study and use of spiritual and contemplative practices for the benefit of your teenagers--and especially your own soul. Inside, author Tony Jones gives wings to his critically acclaimed debut, Postmodern Youth Ministry, by lucidly explaining how you can put postmodern ideas to work by learning powerful disciplines such as-- Sacred Reading The Jesus Prayer The Ignatian Examen The Daily Office Stations of the Cross Sabbath Silence and Solitude Centering Prayer Spiritual Direction The Labyrinth Pilgrimage Service ...and eventually implement them into the life of your youth ministry! But Jones cautions us all: 'These are not gimmicks. This isn't an Ideas book or a discussion starter book or a great-games-for-over-50-kids-in-a-gym book. This is a strange book. Although it's about spiritual exercises and their application in the practice of youth ministry, please practice them before you implement them! You won't come close to learning everything you need to know after reading this book. In fact, you may be a few years from utilizing any of these practices in your youth ministry. But if you find one or two that you incorporate into your rule of life, I'm quite sure that you--and the students God has put into your care--will be eternally changed as a result.' Complete with unparalleled instruction, deep and rich resources, and a look into Jones' research, travels, and personal journals as he bathed in the serene light of contemplative Christian spirituality, Soul Shaper is your next best step on the postmodern path.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Tony Jones is the National Coordinator of Emergent Village (www.emergentvillage.org), a network of innovative, missional Christians. He's also a doctoral fellow and senior research fellow in practical theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. Tony has written several books on philosophy, theology, ministry, and prayer, including Postmodern Youth Ministry and The Sacred Way. He's a sought-after speaker on the topics of theology and the emerging church. Tony lives in Minnesota with his wife, Julie, and their three young children.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan/Youth Specialties (June 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031025101X
• ISBN-13: 978-0310251019
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #920,054 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Tony Jones, M.Div., Ph.D., is the author of The New Christians: Dispatches from the Emergent Frontier and is theologian-in-residence at Solomon's Porch in Minneapolis. Tony holds a Ph.D. from practical theology at Princeton Theological Seminary, and he is the author of many books on Christian ministry and spirituality, including and The Sacred Way: Spiritual Practices for Everyday Life, and he is a sought after speaker and consultant in the areas of emerging church, postmodernism, and Christian spirituality. Tony has three children and lives in Edina, Minnesota.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Interesting Resource Book, September 20, 2003

By 

R. Kirkham "jrkirkham" (Rushville, Illinois USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Soul Shaper (Paperback)

Soul Shaper is an excellent resource book for anyone (youth worker or otherwise) who would like to know more about certain Christian practices such as "making the sign of the cross" or saying the "Jesus prayer". The book is interesting and reveals the history, meanings, and variations of practice of the various customs it covers. I enjoyed the book and would gladly purchase it again.

However, the buyer should be aware that so many of our traditions are sectarian that the portions of the book most likely to be used are already being used. This could limit the usefulness of the book, unless the church is very open to new ideas.

For instance, the typical Baptist Church will not look favorably upon a youth minister who teaches the youth to make the sign of the cross each morning. I am NOT trying to suggest these signs are all Catholic. They come from various backgrounds, but most churches are hesitant to borrow from other traditions. Still, I liked the book.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Slowing the pace to find God's divine work, July 4, 2003

By 

James C. Seay "Chris" (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Soul Shaper (Paperback)

I really enjoyed this book. It is a concise resource and guide for many who long to experience the density of historic Christianity. Tony is offering Youth Pastor's (specificallly - but the book is accesible to anyone) a diffferent path to lead young people to richness instead of over simplified and dumbed down cultural theology.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good little introduction to Christian spirituality, October 13, 2004

By 

Matt Benzing "Librarian" (Troy, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Soul Shaper (Paperback)

A powerful little book on spiritual formation through devotional practices like Centering Prayer, the Sign of the Cross, the Ignatian Examen, Lectio Divina, the Jesus Prayer,Labyrinths and more. It was originally written for youth group use, but the exercises described can be used by believers of any age. One of the reasons that we struggle with our faith is that we do not spend enough time connected to the source of all faith. Jones recognizes that faith is not an intellectual exercise, but rather a relationship forged in existential encounter with God. For thousands of years the devoted have done just that using the methods outlined here.