Dynamics of Spiritual Life : An Evangelical Theology of Renewal

In this classic work of spiritual theology, historian Richard Lovelace presents a history of spiritual renewals in light of biblical models. Drawing from the best of different Protestant traditions, Dynamics of Spiritual Life lays out a comprehensive approach to the renewal of the church. In the first half of the book, Lovelace surveys awakening movements since the Reformation, particularly emphasizing Jonathan Edwards's theology of renewal. He then goes deeper into specific elements of such movements and their significance for both doctrinal reformation and spiritual renewal. Lovelace examines such practical issues as renewal of the local congregation, ways revivals go wrong, prospects for closing the "sanctification gap," the historical role of evangelical movements in promoting both unity and division, and Christian approaches to the arts. With scholarly and pastoral insight, he offers a powerful vision of renewal that can unify various models across traditions, combining individual and corporate spirituality, social activism, and evangelism. For over forty years, this well-loved book has helped Christians understand the spiritual movement they are a part of and guided leaders in planting and pastoring churches. This expanded edition features a new foreword by Timothy Keller. --From publisher's description Cover Title Page Copyright Contents Foreword by Timothy Keller Preface Part I – Dynamics of Renewal 1 Jonathan Edwards and the Jesus Movement 2 Biblical Models of Cyclical and Continuous Renewal 3 Preconditions of Continuous Renewal 4 Primary Elements of Continuous Renewal 5 Secondary Elements of Renewal Part II – Renewal in the Church 6 The Renewal of the Local Congregation 7 The Sanctification Gap 8 How Revivals Go Wrong 9 Live Orthodoxy 10 Unitive Evangelicalism 11 The Evangelical Muse 12 The Spiritual Roots of Christian Social Concern 13 Prospects for Renewal Notes Index Praise for Dynamics of Spiritual Life About the Author More Titles from InterVarsity Press In This Expanded Edition Of A Classic Work Of Spiritual Theology, Historian Richard Lovelace Presents A History Of Spiritual Renewals In Light Of Biblical Models. With Scholarly And Pastoral Insight, He Offers A Powerful Vision Of Renewal That Can Unify Various Models Across Traditions, Combining Individual And Corporate Spirituality, Social Activism, And Evangelism. Richard F. Lovelace draws from biblical models and church history to present a comprehensive approach to spiritual renewal. Considering such practical issues as renewal of the local congregation, the ways revivals go wrong, and Christian approaches to the arts and social justice, Lovelace's classic is for all who long to revitalize the church.