Spiritual Fitness: Christian Character in a Consumer Culture

Spiritual Fitness: Christian Character in a Consumer Culture

by Graham Tomlin (Author)

Synopsis

A focus on physical fitness is part of modern culture, at least for some, with the number of gyms and memberships at an all-time high. Not so when it comes to spiritual fitness. Graham Tomlin argues that much of the modern church is spiritually flabby, its members lacking distinctiveness as Christians and its impact on modern culture correspondingly limited. What can be done? Physical health and fitness require discipline, self-denial and cost; so, too, with spiritual fitness. This is a very practical book giving churches and their members tools with which to start to reverse the trend of spiritual blandness, and to feel more confident as Christians in the modern world. Not only will this benefit those concerned but there will be a new impact on society as the church becomes more appealing, relevant and significant. This book is for all who feel dissatisfied with their Christian faith, who are concerned about the future of the church, or who want to see the church being much more relevant to modern culture.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 176
Edition: paperback / softback
Publisher: Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.
Published: 06 Apr 2006

ISBN 10: 0826486770
ISBN 13: 9780826486776

Media Reviews
Written by the Principal of St. Paul's Theological Centre, Graham Tomlin, Spiritual Fitness: Christian Character in a Consumer Culture connects a parallel between physical and spiritual fitness. Both require daily maintenance and attention, and both are vital to human well being. Tomlin stresses that spiritual fitness is vital not only for the church itself, but also society as a whole, and offers guidelines to help churches transform into agents of change and spiritual renaissance. From cultivating virtue to the vital role of discipline in enacting spiritual transformation, to the necessity, power, and difficulty of forgiveness, Spiritual Fitness conceptualizes a powerful antidote to the consumption and luxury-driven culture advertised by modern media that can all too readily drown out the finer and holier aspects of life. Reviewed in The Midwest Book Review, December 2006
'a practical study in real-life Christ-likeness. Tomlin helpfully explores the success of the Early Church, and he studies virtue ethics in an accessible manner....He promotes the virtues of house groups, and his argument is convincing. This energising book might be useful for a parish reading-group.' Revd Jennie Hogan, Church Times, 15/12/2006--Sanford Lakoff Church Times
'This is one of those books that make you bounce up and down in your armchair, saying: Oh yes, how true! while scribbling excited notes in the margin.' 'Spiritual Fitness is a challenge and passionate call for a growth in holiness.' - John Wall, Church Times--Sanford Lakoff Church Times
Author Bio
Graham Tomlin is Acting Principal and tutor in Historical Theology and Evangelism at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. Formerly chaplain of Jesus College, he teaches regularly at Oxford University and has spoken in churches, colleges and conferences in the UK and overseas.