REL 255: Spiritual Formation for Ministry

In this book the renowned medievalist G.R. Evans provides a concise introduction to St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), a figure of towering importance on the twelfth-century monastic and theological scene. After a brief overview of Bernard's life, Evans focuses on a few major themes in his work, including his theology of spirituality and his theology of the political life of the Church. The only available introduction to Bernard's life and thought, this latest addition to the Great Medieval Thinkers series will appeal to a wide audience of students and scholars of history and theology.

Bernard of Clairvaux emerges from these studies as a vibrant, challenging and illuminating representative of the monastic culture of the twelfth century. In taking on Peter Abelard and the new scholasticism he helped define the very world he opposed and thus contributed to the renaissance of the twelfth century.

This work emphasizes the deep love in which Bernard was held during his life by his monks and the people of France and Italy as well as his role as a powerful public figure. This book contains the first English translation of Recension B, drawn from what is apparently the only manuscript of the work found today in a Cistercian monastery, Mount Saint Bernard Abbey. The introduction begins with the story of how this manuscript came to Mount Saint Bernard, so fixing this translation of the Vita prima within Cistercian life from the twelfth century to today.

This book offers a complete study of the doctrine of the cross in the writings of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Until now, this theologically rich topic has not received the attention it calls for. Anthony Lane analyzes and expounds the doctrine of the cross based on the nearly seven hundred references to the cross in Bernard's writings. Among the important topics the author explores are: * Bernard's letter against Abelard, a work of central significance for this topic * the "usward" aspect of Christ's work, its subjective influence on us, and the "Godward" aspect, the way in which the cross puts us right with God * objections to this teaching posed by Abelard and others * ways in which Bernard applies his doctrine of the cross * a concluding assessment of Bernard's teaching on the topic  

Basil the Great (330-379) is one of the most important figures in christian history and a theologian and spiritual teacher of ecumenical significance. At a time when the sources of their rich spiritual heritage are beingre-appropriated by Christians of many traditions, it is strange that little attention has been given to basilian spirituality. a life Pleasing to God tells the story of Basil's own spiritual development in the theologically turbulent fourth-century. Its core is a study of those passages of the Ascetic on which illustrate his understanding of the foundation of the christian life and lay out the possibilities, and problems, of christian community.

Lectiois a meeting with God in and through his word. As in any intimate meeting, far more is communicated than the literal meaning of the words. God uses stories and images to invite us to be aware of our feelings in lectio. In this meeting with God in his word, even though there is no question of body language complementing the spoken word, God is using human communication and intends to use it to the fullest. We know that the Words of Revelation, cast in a rich mythopoetic mode, are meant to convey far more than their literal and historical meaning The Fathers and Mothers, not with the logic of schools but in the tradition of the Fathers of the Church, open these dimensions to us and invite us to enter in and discover so much more than information. Where the mind leaves off, the heart goes yet further. The Cistercian Fathers and Mothers invite us into a 'school of Love', into the domain where the heart knows what the mind can never grasp.