Pursuing an Earthy Spirituality - by Gary S Selby (Paperback)

About the Book

Engaging the writings of C. S. Lewis, Gary Selby contends that spiritual formation comes about not by retreating from the physical world but through deeper engagement with it. By considering themes such as our human embodiment, our sense of awareness in our everyday experiences, and the role of our human agency, Selby demonstrates that an earthy spirituality can be a robust spirituality.

Book Synopsis

"Red beef and strong beer" was how C. S. Lewis described his education under one of his early tutors. It was, in other words, a substantial education that engaged deeply with the intellectual tradition and challenged him to grow.Gary Selby sees Lewis's expression as an indication of the kind of transformation that is both possible and necessary for the Christian faith, and he contends that spiritual formation comes about not by retreating from the physical world but through deeper engagement with it.By considering themes such as our human embodiment, our sense of awareness in our everyday experiences, and the role of our human agency--all while engaging with the writings of Lewis, who himself enjoyed food, drink, laughter, and good conversation--Selby demonstrates that an earthy spirituality can be a robust spirituality.

Review Quotes

"Gary Selby's Pursuing an Earthy Spirituality is a gift to those who love C. S. Lewis and believe that he offers a way of living the Christian faith that is joyful, embodied, and attached to the beauty and pleasure of creation. Drawing from decades of teaching and interacting with students, Selby beautifully reminds us that Lewis lived a spirituality that was at least as deeply rooted in emotion, imagery, beauty, and the body as it was in his keen intellect."

--Gary W. Moon, founding executive director, Martin Institute for Christianity and Culture and Dallas Willard Center, Westmont College, and the founding director of Renovaré Institute, author of Becoming Dallas Willard

About the Author

Gary S. Selby (PhD, University of Maryland) serves as professor of ministerial formation at Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan College. He is the author of Not with Wisdom of Words: Nonrational Persuasion in the New Testament and Martin Luther King and the Rhetoric of Freedom: The Exodus in America's Struggle for Civil Rights.