Spiritual Fitness - Annotated by Graham Tomlin (Paperback)

About the Book

Gives 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. This book is for those who feel dissatisfied with their Christian faith, and who are concerned about the future of the church.

Book Synopsis

A focus on physical fitness is part of modern culture, but not so when it comes to spiritual fitness. Graham Tomlin asks 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 flabbiness, benefitting both themselves and society, as the church becomes more appealing and significant. This book is for all who feel disatisfied with their Christian faith, who are concerned about the future of the church, or who want to see the church becoming more relevant to modern culture.

Review Quotes

'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 "

"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

About the Author

Graham Tomlin is Principal of St Paul's Theological Centre, based in Holy Trinity Brompton in London. He is also an Associate Lecturer at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, and has taught in the Theology Faculty in Oxford University for many years.