Reading for Spiritual Theology
We need a retrieval of spiritual theology. Spiritual theology attends to the cause and effect and affections of Christian theology. When theology is done in spirit and in truth, we are affected in heart, soul, mind, and strength. Love grows larger, and our living grows more congruent with the ways of Jesus. Doxology rockets from theology. The Puritans called this experimental/experiential theology, others have called it affectionate theology, and many others have stuck with calling it spiritual theology.
A way we recall this emphasis in our spirituality is by reading those who taught it and sought to live it. We have a rich legacy throughout the Church’s history of those who experienced God in spirit and in truth.
Here are 23 texts (books and short works) to consider reading for growing in spiritual theology. I tried to assemble texts that span throughout church history. A lot more could be added, but it’s better to begin somewhere. I’ve also included some mo…
