Cheap Adventures of the Spirit (Book) (Clark M. Williamson, Ronald J. Allen) Price

Related Products

Customer Reviews of Adventures of the Spirit

Revitalise the spirit...
'Adventures of the Spirit: A Guide to Worship from the Perspective of Process Theology' is a collaboration of Clark Williamson and Ronald Allen, both professors at my seminary, both ministers in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) tradition, committed to ecumenical perspectives. This is a first-rate, practical book. It covers the various aspects of practical worship -- preaching, prayer, communal action, weddings, funerals, and more.

Williamson and Allen begin by looking at spirituality from the process perspective. Spirituality means different things to different people, and is not a universal good. Sometimes it has been used to create artificial divisions, between clergy and laypersons, between the material world and 'other' world, and sometimes has an irrational, or even anti-rational bias. However, every religion relies on spirituality to some degree, and it has a creative force to it that makes it irresistable at times. The authors argue that proper Christian spirituality needs to be lived out in community, in relationship, in covenant, and in creative adventure. As God's creative work never ceases, our response to that continuing work and call from God needs to be fully realised.

Apart from an adventurous and open spirituality, process theology looks toward an open adventurous spirit of thought and intellectual engagement. Process theology involves fully the processes of science, philosophy and other disciplines of critical thought. It does not fear or shy away from such endeavours, but rather looks to incorporate these into the overall faithful framework.

From this background, Williamson and Allen look at worship as something that affects us and affects God. The old ideas of a static, immoveable God do not make sense, indeed never did -- why worship something that can have no reaction or response? Why would a God who has no possibility of being affected need or even desire other beings to worship or pray?

Leading through the various issues and practicalities of worship, the authors show the important relationship between clergy and laypersons, leaders and followers, the biblical text and preaching, and all of these things and God. There is an interconnection between all these things, nothing being static but always being in the process toward the aim of God toward greater community. Some aspects are completely practical regardless of the framework (for example, in discussing worship styles for leaders, the authors discuss eye-contact, posture, movement, preparation and more that are important in any type of service). In other aspects, the interpretation from process theology becomes important; in looking at the means of grace through baptism and communion, the greater importance of the concerns of theology and the community of the world come through in ways that more traditional interpretations might miss.

This is a rare book, difficult to find, but it is a real jewel, and an important work of practical theology. If you find it, buy it! You won't be disappointed.