Faculty Development Day 2017: "So Great a Cloud of Witnesses:" Theological Resources for Curriculum, Faith Integration, and Personal Growth: Spiritual Formation Resources

The definitive guide to the most spiritually influential and important books for Christians to read. The editorial board is comprised of scholars including Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, Phyllis Tickle, and Richard Rohr, resulting in a wonderful resource for exploring the richness of the Christian tradition.

This book has been hailed by many as the best modern book on Christian spirituality with millions of copies sold since its original publication in 1978. In Celebration of Discipline, Foster explores the "classic Disciplines," or central spiritual practices, of the Christian faith to show how each of these areas contribute to a balanced spiritual life.

In this classic book, noted scholar and author Harry Blamires perceptively diagnoses some of the weaknesses besetting the church with insights as fresh and relevant today as they were in the 1960s. Arguing that a distinctively Christian reasoning has been swept away by secular modes of thought and politically correct assumptions, the author calls for the recovery of the authentically Christian mind.

Devotional Classics incorporates all six traditions, or "streams," that comprise a healthy and holistic life of Christian faith. The fifty-two selections in Devotional Classics have been organized to introduce the reader to the great Christian devotional writers over the course of one year, through an introduction and meditation by Foster, a related biblical passage, discussion questions, and individual and group exercises. Devotional Classics is indispensable for those looking for a deeper and more balanced spiritual life.

Being close to God means communicating with him understanding what he is saying to us. It is this second half of our conversation with God that is so important but that can also be so difficult. How do we hear his voice? How can we be sure that what we think we hear is not our own subconscious? What role does the Bible play? What if what God says to us is not clear? The key, says author Dallas Willard, is to focus not so much on individual actions and decisions as on building our personal relationship with our Creator. This classic continues to endure as one of today's best resources for learning to listen closely to God.

McGinn focuses on the areas of spirituality and mysticism in this seven-volume history of Christian mysticism in the West.

Fasting. Solitude. Contemplative prayer. Lectio divina. Have you heard about these practices and wanted to try them? Have you wandered from one practice to another not sure quite what to do? In this book, Adele Calhoun gives us directions for our journey toward intimacy with Christ. While the word discipline may make us want to run and hide, the author shows how desires and discipline work together to lead us to the transformation we're longing for--the transformation only Christ can bring. Instead of just giving information about spiritual disciplines, this Handbook is full of practical, accessible guidance that helps you actually do them. And spiritual disciplines are for all of us who desire to know Christ deeply and be like him.

The celebrated author of Prayer--voted 1993 Book of the Year by the readers of Christianity Today--lays the cornerstone of his acclaimed Renovare (Latin for to make new) program and describes a path to spiritual renewal that incorporates the five great streams of Christian faith and witness.

In this classic book, Madeleine L'Engle addresses the questions, What makes art Christian? What does it mean to be a Christian and to create? What is the relationship between faith and art? Through L'Engle's beautiful and insightful essay, readers will find themselves called to what the author views as the prime tasks of creator: to listen, to remain aware, and to respond to creation through one's own art.