C
atholics and Protestants have been debating for centuries about which is more vital—faith or good works? There are hopeful signs, however, that the controversy may be winding down. Acclaimed evangelical speaker and writer Campolo teams up with spiritual director and teacher Darling to reveal some gems from the liturgical Christian tradition to evangelical Protestants who may be ready for a refreshing change. While steeped in their own evangelical tradition, the authors are not afraid to venture back into Christian history and reclaim some practices that have long been considered exclusively Catholic. Darling suggests Centering Prayer, along with works by Ignatius Loyola and Catherine of Siena, as excellent spiritual tools to help evangelicals grow in faith and love for the poor. A vital theme in Campolo and Darling’s work is that spirituality is not solely an individualistic practice, but must lead Christians to love and help the oppressed. True Christian mysticism, the authors posit, is not an either/or proposition: “We believe that the nexus between evangelism and justice is to be found in the kind of Christian mysticism we are advocating in this book.” While not all evangelicals are ready for such a radical shift, others will be greatly enriched. (July 13)
