Spiritual Fitness: Christian Character in a Consumer Culture - Softcover

Graham Tomlin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0826486770 ISBN 13: 9780826486776

Publisher: Continuum, 2009

Synopsis

A focus on physical fitness is part of modern culture, but not so when it comes to spiritual fitness. Graham Tomlin asks what can be done? Physical health and fitness require discipline, self-denial and cost; so, too, with spiritual fitness. This is a very practical book giving churches and their members tools with which to start to reverse the trend of spiritual flabbiness, benefitting both themselves and society, as the church becomes more appealing and significant. This book is for all who feel disatisfied with their Christian faith, who are concerned about the future of the church, or who want to see the church becoming more relevant to modern culture.

About this title

Review

Written by the Principal of St. Paul's Theological Centre, Graham Tomlin, Spiritual Fitness: Christian Character in a Consumer Culture connects a parallel between physical and spiritual fitness. Both require daily maintenance and attention, and both are vital to human well being. Tomlin stresses that spiritual fitness is vital not only for the church itself, but also society as a whole, and offers guidelines to help churches transform into agents of change and spiritual renaissance. From cultivating virtue to the vital role of discipline in enacting spiritual transformation, to the necessity, power, and difficulty of forgiveness, Spiritual Fitness conceptualizes a powerful antidote to the consumption and luxury-driven culture advertised by modern media that can all too readily drown out the finer and holier aspects of life.""   Reviewed in The Midwest Book Review, December 2006,'a practical study in real-life Christ-likeness. Tomlin helpfully explores the success of the Early Church, and he studies virtue ethics in an accessible manner....He promotes the virtues of house groups, and his argument is convincing. This energising book might be useful for a parish reading-group.' ~ Revd Jennie Hogan, Church Times, 15/12/2006,'This is one of those books that make you bounce up and down in your armchair, saying: ""Oh yes, how true!"" while scribbling excited notes in the margin.'   'Spiritual Fitness is a challenge and passionate call for a growth in holiness.'   - John Wall, Church Times,'Commending the work, McGrath says: ""Graham Tomlin offers a breath of fresh air for the growing number of Christians who feel that the churches do not meet their spiritual needs. Packed with spiritual wisdom and insight, this book will encourage Christians to take their spiritual development seriously and hep them along the way.""'~ Life and Work, 1 August 2006,'Scholarship is combined in the book with an accessible style...there are plenty of refreshing insights.'  ,Edited extract taken from Spiritual Fitness in Methodist Recorder, April 2006 --Reviewed in The Midwest Book Review, December 2006

Synopsis

A focus on physical fitness is part of modern culture, at least for some, with the number of gyms and memberships at an all-time high. Not so when it comes to spiritual fitness. Graham Tomlin argues that much of the modern church is spiritually flabby, its members lacking distinctiveness as Christians and its impact on modern culture correspondingly limited. What can be done? Physical health and fitness require discipline, self-denial and cost; so, too, with spiritual fitness. This is a very practical book giving churches and their members tools with which to start to reverse the trend of spiritual blandness, and to feel more confident as Christians in the modern world. Not only will this benefit those concerned but there will be a new impact on society as the church becomes more appealing, relevant and significant. This book is for all who feel dissatisfied with their Christian faith, who are concerned about the future of the church, or who want to see the church being much more relevant to modern culture.

Edition details

• Publisher: Continuum
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0826486770
• ISBN 13: 9780826486776
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 176