Catholics and Protestants have been debating for centuries about which is more vital—faith or good works? There are hopeful signs, however, that the controversy may be winding down. Acclaimed evangelical speaker and writer Campolo teams up with spiritual director and teacher Darling to reveal some gems from the liturgical Christian tradition to evangelical Protestants who may be ready for a refreshing change. While steeped in their own evangelical tradition, the authors are not afraid to venture back into Christian history and reclaim some practices that have long been considered exclusively Catholic. Darling suggests Centering Prayer, along with works by Ignatius Loyola and Catherine of Siena, as excellent spiritual tools to help evangelicals grow in faith and love for the poor. A vital theme in Campolo and Darling's work is that spirituality is not solely an individualistic practice, but must lead Christians to love and help the oppressed. True Christian mysticism, the authors posit, is not an either/or proposition: We believe that the nexus between evangelism and justice is to be found in the kind of Christian mysticism we are advocating in this book. While not all evangelicals are ready for such a radical shift, others will be greatly enriched.
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“I am most pleased by this teaming of Tony Campolo and Mary Albert Darling on a subject so vital to spiritual formation. Tony is known for his deep social activism; Mary for her deep spiritual intimacy. Of course these two realities go hand-in-hand, like a bow and an arrow or a lock and a key. Part of the charm of
The God of Intimacy and Action is watching Tony and Mary respecting each other, challenging each other, learning from each other. I know both Tony and Mary personally and can testify to the genuineness of their search for spiritual wholeness. It is a search that always holds in creative tension a profound intimacy with God through Christ with a vigorous engagement in the social realities of our day.”--Richard J. Foster, author,
Celebration of Discipline
“There was a time when those who most passionately pursued intimacy with God in their souls were the same folk who most impatiently worked for justice in the streets. They were called prophets. Sometimes saints. Tony and Mary ask: ‘Why not you and me?’”--John Ortberg, pastor, Menolo Park Presbyterian Church
“Darling and Campolo sift through the dirt of Christendom and uncover the precious treasures of our faith. In these pages, the mystics remind us that Christianity is less of a theory and more of a romance. May they awaken each of us with the ancient whisper that St. Francis heard in Assisi, ‘Repair my Church which is in ruins.’ [And may those repairs continue . . . In us.]”
--Shane Claiborne, founding member of The Simple Way community; author, The Irresistible Revolution; and recovering sinner
“This book is a premiere example of the wonderful convergence that is taking place between the many streams of Christianity: mystical, political, contemplative, biblical, and evangelical--is the best sense of all those terms. Grow with Tony Campolo and Mary Albert Darling in the fullness of Christ.”--Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M., Center for Action and Contemplation, Albuquerque, New Mexico
“This is a book that combines action and contemplation so that we can become like Christ and change the world. By combing their love for social justice with a compelling vision of the Christian life Campolo and Darling offer a wonderful resource for our life with God. I really enjoyed this book and have benefited from it.”--Gayle D. Beebe, Ph.D., president, Westmont College, Santa Barbara, California
“An important call to ground our evangelism and social action in a powerful personal relationship with the living God nurtured by regularly seeking the presence of God in our lives. A helpful book on an urgent topic.”--Ronald J. Sider, president, Evangelicals for Social Action
“Wow! What a helpful book! If you, with me, sometimes find that your walk with God is shallow and your service for God ineffective, this book could change your life. This is a book you will value and return to over and over again. When you do, thank me for recommending it to you.”--Steve Brown, professor, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando; and author and teacher on the syndicated radio program Key Life
"This very important work brings integration to the false dichotomy that promotes an artificial disconnection between Christian mysticism and Christian outreach. By weaving together the themes of personal spiritual transformation with the themes of evangelism and social justice, Campolo and Darling help us to find the narrow path between "spiritless service" on the one hand and "arrested spiritual development that verges on narcissism" on the other. This is a must-read for anyone who seeks a holistic gospel in which ministry to others flows from an ever-deepening intimacy with Christ."--Ruth Haley Barton, co-founder and president, The Transforming Center; and author of Sacred Rhythms:Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation
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