Spirituality has become an ‘in’ word. Inside and outside the churches people are talking about it – or at least using the word. Publishers are listing a growing number of volumes under the heading ‘Books on Spirituality’: conferences and retreats are advertised as means of increasing spirituality: various bodily and mental disciplines are being recommended by priest and guru as ways of finding or developing spirituality: and even some psychotherapists have adopted techniques of spirituality to cure the soul.

But is spirituality something which you and I ought to get involved in? Is it really for me and is it truly for you? Maybe it is merely the latest non-materialistic fad, which, like this year’s fashion, will soon be out of date; or, perhaps, it is only a fancy word for old-fashioned insights and practices which were called by other names in earlier centuries. Maybe pursuing spirituality is like chasing a runaway horse; or, perhaps, becoming too involved in it is like diving into a pool full of sharks!

‘What is spirituality?’ and ‘Is it for me?’ are two very different questions. The first requires a carefully presented, factual answer which is based upon sound knowledge of the Bible, theology and religious experience. A slick and quick answer will not do: it must ring true to our best thinking and mature experience. The second question can only be answered by you or me for ourselves. So what we need are guidelines and the means by which to answer. Deciding for or against spirituality is a moral decision. It is not like choosing a new car or coat or house: it is all about accepting or rejecting what is perceived as what God offers and demands.

Parts two and three are an answer to the question, ‘What is (Christian) spirituality?’ and they follow on from chapter two of Part one. Part four provides the guidelines for answering the question, ‘Is spirituality for me?’ Part one prepares the way for the presentations in Parts two, three and four.

I have much enjoyed the research and reflection which have gone into the writing of this book. I hope and pray that many readers will believe that they have benefitted from studying it.

Before inviting my reader to begin Part one, I feel I ought to make clear that this book is not a ‘how to do it’ kind of book. I shall give no detailed guidance on such topics as – how to read the Bible profitably; how to meditate upon its contents; how to pray effectively; how to fast and keep a shining face; how to obey Christ’s commands in everyday situations; how to be a devout mother/father/son/daughter and how to find inner peace and quiet in a bustling world. There are many books on such topics: some very helpful.

Rather, I attempt to supply the reader with the basic structure which has to exist before the ‘how to do it’ question can be taken seriously. In other words I provide the skeleton on which the flesh can grow and I offer the structure to which all parts can be bolted.

I see this book as eminently practical. Yet it is more like the practical work of the architect than of the bricklayer and painter. We need both the architect and the craftsmen to produce a sound building: and we need both the general outline and plan of spirituality as well as the ‘how to do it’ help. In saying this I have to admit that thinking about the general outline and structure of spirituality is more demanding on the brain than considering practical suggestions on, for example, how to pray. However, I believe that most people will think the extra effort needed is well worth making.

Finally, I want to express my appreciation to my editor, Morag Reeve, for entrusting me with this topic, and to Canon David Wheaton, His Honour Judge Brian Watling, Dr Steve Motyer, and Vita (my wife) for reading the manuscript and offering helpful criticism.

PETER TOON

Feast of the Transfiguration

6 August 1988

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