Spirituality: A Brief History, 2nd Edition

Engagingly written by one of the world’s leading scholars, this comprehensively expanded edition tells the story of Christian spirituality from its origins in the New Testament right up to the present day. It charts the main figures, ideas, images and historical periods, showing how and why spirituality has changed and developed over the centuries. Sheldrake deftly extracts the distinctive themes of Christian spirituality, exploring the historical and cultural experiences that changed people’s attitudes and practices.

New to the second edition are chapters on the nature and meaning of spirituality, and 21st century features of spirituality across the world; and an account of the development and core features of devotional spirituality. Sections on mysticism, its relationship to spirituality, the key mystical figures, and the development of ideas of ‘the mystical’ are all expanded. It also offers a fascinating insight into Christian spirituality’s relationship to other faiths throughout history, and their influence and impact on Christian beliefs and practices. The result is a lively and informative introduction to the varieties of Christian spirituality across the globe and throughout the ages.