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 modern works.
The Psalms (consider Dane Ortlund’s spiritual commentary on the Psalms, In The Lord I Take Refuge)
Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney
Great list! I just read some St John of the Cross recently and feel like he needs to be on here too!
Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian Life by Donald Whitney and Delighting in the Trinity by Reeves are in my top ten. I actually just wrote a short recommendation for Delighting in the Trinity.