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Spirituality The following essays are on the subject of spirituality. In
the literature, the term "spirituality" is rather loosely
defined. I take it to mean the encounter with God and
matters associated with that encounter. Since I take an
objective approach to God in his revelation, I think it
possible for God to speak and show his face. Above all, I
consider Scripture, the sacraments of baptism and Eucharist,
as well as Christian community, to be the places where this
happens. Unlike certain traditions, I do not consider the
encounter with God a flight "of the alone to the alone."
Seeing and hearing God is social and historical, gathering
up the history of the world and the self into the life of
the world to come. The essays follow. Shows that Isaiah 6 reveals God in both his objective immediate self as well as in his holy transcendence.2. Baptism in the Holy Spirit An essay describing what God does when He baptizes with the Holy Spirit and Fire.3. Freedom Gives a glimpse of the great freedom found in the gospel.4. Speaking in Tongues Introduces speaking in tongues and discusses several misconceptions regarding this gift of the Spirit.5. The Wrath of God Describes aspects of the Scriptural understanding of the wrath of God.6. The Spirituality of Poverty Shows how poverty can be used by God to reveals our sins and wounds, and therefore make it possible through repentance to see and hear God.7. The Vision of God Proclaims the vision of God as the goal of all things.8. Liberal and Conservative, Spiritually Considered Briefly describes how both liberals and conservatives reflect inner spiritual conditions as they confront each other.9. Eucharist and Charismatic Worship Describes how charismatic worship often brings one before the throne, but Eucharist brings one with Christ into his glory.10. Spirituality and Incarnation This essay describes why, biblically and theologically, the encounter with God involves the senses and the whole people of God. In other words, the encounter with God is incarnational.11. The Recent Election, Spiritually Considered Discusses the reelection of George W. Bush in the context of biblical faith versus paganism.12. The Weather out in Kansas A short essay on longing written for a class in St. John of the Cross.13. A Rule of Life Gives a sample rule of life to direct a person toward God.
The Rev. Robert J. Sanders, Ph.D.
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