The Dominican Tradition - (Spirituality in History) by Phyllis Zagano & Thomas McGonigle (Paperback)

About the Book

The first volume in a spirituality anthology series provides readers a window into Dominican spirituality. Readers will learn the core spiritual values that shape their way of life and discover that the spiritual legacy established by Dominic is as vibrant today as it was centuries ago.

Book Synopsis

St. Dominic, who died in 1221, took to heart Jesus' charge to make disciples of all nations. He founded a religious community, the Order of Preachers, which differed from most orders of his day. Dominic trained preachers who traveled anywhere and everywhere to spread the Gospel.

The Dominicans continue to flourish today. The Dominican Tradition, the first in a spirituality anthology series, provides readers a window into Dominican spirituality. You will learn the core values that shape their way of life. Mostly, you will come to realize that the spiritual legacy established by Dominic is as vibrant today as it was centuries ago.

Phyllis Zagano, PhD, is senior research associate-in-residence at Hofstra University, where she teaches in the Department of Religion. She is also the author of Woman to Woman published by Liturgical Press.

Thomas McGonigle, OP, teaches in the history department at Providence College in Rhode Island. He specializes in Dominican spirituality and history.

Review Quotes

The Dominican Tradition would make a great college text for a class exploring various strains of spirituality. It would also be useful as a starting point for anyone seeking to know more about the Dominicans and their impact on the world.Spiritual Woman

Accessible to readers of all backgrounds, The Dominican Tradition provides an excellent introduction to core Dominican spiritual values, and offers unmistakable evidence that the Dominican legacy is as relevant today as it was centuries in the past.Midwest Book Review

McGonigle lays out the history of the Dominican order by portraits of its most prominent and in many cases influential spiritual leaders. . . . The portraits include not only biographical facts, highlights of spiritual interests, and summaries of insights, but also representative selections from writings of the 16 exceptionally spiritual individuals through the centuries. [T]hey offer focus and direction for contemporary individuals.Midwest Book Review

This attractive book contains an anthology of short selections by, or in some cases about, significant figures from the seven centuries of Dominican history.Anglican Theological Review

While the intent and style is simply an introduction to the length and continuity of the history and the facets of the spirituality inspired by the precepts and the regimen originating with St. Dominic, they offer focus and direction for contemporary individuals.Midwest Book Review

The lives and writings of the men and women in this anthology show how dedicated Dominicans over eight centuries have been faithful to Dominic's vision. . . . Readers will learn about the core spiritual values behind the lives of those featured, and will understand that the spiritual legacy established by St. Dominic is as vibrant today as it was centuries ago.Crux

This book is an excellent introduction to the Dominican Tradition and its spirituality. It is well-conceived and well-written. It does not gloss over negative aspects of the tradition, such as the Inquisition, but puts them in context. It includes a bibliography for each chapter. It would be a useful text for an undergraduate or graduate spirituality class. As a lay teacher in a Dominican university I found the book very valuable in deepening my own understanding of and appreciation for Dominican charisms and spirituality.Catholic Studies

This useful introduction to the characteristics of Dominican life provides a range of perspectives on how to know and love God and flourish as a person.Religious Studies Review