Subversive Spirituality: Transforming Mission Through the Collapse of Space and Time: 113 (Princeton Theological Monograph)

Description: Subversive Spirituality links the practice and study of Christian spirituality with Christian mission. It develops a twofold thesis: grace spiritual disciplines and mission practices are inseparably linked in the mission of Jesus of the early church and of several historical renewal movements as well as in a contemporary field research sample; and amidst the collapse of space and time evidenced by our cultures increasingly hurried pace of life more time and space are needed for regular solitary and communal spiritual practices in church mission and leadership structures if Christian mission is to transform people and culture in our time. This requires a subversion of the collapsed spatial and temporal codes that have infected our Christian institutions. Jensen employs methods and approaches from a variety of academic disciplines to explore both spirituality in terms of space and time and mission in terms of deed and word. Specifically Jensen examines the spirituality and mission of Jesus the early church the apostolic fathers Origen the Devotio Moderna the early Jesuits David Brainerd and several women in 19th century Protestant missions. He considers the spirituality and mission that have arisen within the postmodern generations born after 1960. Based on the theological historical cultural and field analyses of this study a model for spirituality and mission is proposed. The model addresses the contemporary collapse of space and time and appears to have widespread applicability to diverse cultures and eras. Jensens model is applied to the pluralistic and postmodern milieu of North America with recommendations for spirituality and mission in church mission and educational structures. A derivative model for teaching and practicing spirituality and mission in the academy which also has application for non-formal leadership development structures is also proposed. Endorsements: Far too many Christians live in little compartments: prayer over here mission over there Bible study somewhere else even Jesus himself somewhere else again and all squashed up because of the apparent relentlessness of todays fast-track lifestyle. What happens if we open up the little compartments to one another and allow the bigger picture that emerges to challenge not only the way we think and live as Christians but the very framework of lifestyle which todays culture imposes on us? This wide-ranging and groundbreaking book provides an answer which will open eyes minds and hearts to an integrated vision of Christian discipleship spirituality and mission. Jensens work is rooted in history but open to Gods future grounded in prayer and devotion while grappling with hard-edged practical questions. This is a book all of us in Christian leadership need to learn from if we are to be equipped for Gods mission in tomorrows world. --N. T. Wright Bishop of Durham Church of England This is the book that Ive been waiting for in my own teaching. In our technological postmodern post-Christendom age we need to hear the call to reengage both a generous spiritual journey and a courageous missional life. Each aspect of formation must rely on the other-and both are the product of the Spirits clear work in Jesus followers. My students either think that the church will be renewed by an inward journey or by outward activism. And each group thinks that their way is Jesus way. Paul Jensens lucid scholarly and empowering book calls us back to a transforming spirituality which nourishes and empowers Gods people for the Kingdom mission into which Jesus sent all his followers with grace love and power. --Stephen A. Hayner President of Columbia Theological Seminary and former President InterVarsity Christian Fellowship This is an important book. Jensen is dealing with issues that others are not and doing so in ways that challenge the church and lure us into new openness to intimacy with God. He co