The Practice of the Presence of God

Reviews / Votes

'Practice, as Michel de Certeau has reminded us, can become a tactic for reclaiming what has been lost or forgotten or taken from us, can help restore to us a more vital and whole-hearted vision and experience of reality. Such is the gift of this honest, courageous and imaginative collection of essays: it performs or practices what it seeks to illumine. And in so doing, it reopens a conversation that has long haunted the Christian tradition concerning the profoundly immersive, communal and transformative character of theological reflection. A way thinking, a way of being, and yes, a way of life.'

Douglas E. Christie, Professor of Theological Studies, Loyola Marymount University, USA

'George Herbert described prayer as "God's breath in man returning to his birth". This volume allows us to hear it. It is difficult to imagine a more inspired and inspiring group of contributors. We must all be grateful to the editors for bringing together what must surely become a classic work.'

Carol Harrison, Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity, Christ Church, Oxford, UK

'From the reflections of Rowan Williams on "theology as a way of life" to the closing thoughts of Luigi Gioia on death as the test of authenticity, this rich and inviting, prayerful and scholarly collection is proof that contemporary Christian theology is still in touch with the great tradition of practical, penitential, meditative, and mystical attentiveness to the word and presence of the living God.'

Carol Zaleski, Professor of World Religions, Smith College, USA