Ravished by Beauty: The Surprising Legacy of Reformed Spirituality

Lane scores on every shot. He awakens a thesis that the 16th-century Reformers desired a God whose beauty is reflected "generously (and flagrantly) in the world of nature." He rescues founders of Reformed spirituality, like John Calvin, and successors, like Jonathan Edwards, from brimstoned clich%C3%A9s. Lane, who teaches theology at Saint Louis University, broadens the image of Edwards considerably beyond the narrow legacy of the Puritan preacher's famous sinners' sermon: Edwards cared less about a vengeful God than a beautiful one who could be known through all five senses in nature. Lane asserts that Calvin is not a sexless citrus-sucker but a man of sensuous language, pleasure, and theology. Lane demonstrates, too, the legacy of these pastors and their contemporaries in poetry and politics; he cites modern environmental theologians and ethicists with roots in Reformed spirituality. Strengthening connections to contemporary sensibilities, Lane interleaves his personal essays with his commentary. In addition to rich quotes from others, Lane offers his own memorable thoughts, his words elegant as brocade in color and texture, scholarly but never stultifying. (May)