Ravished by Beauty
The Surprising Legacy of Reformed Spirituality
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- $54.99
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- $54.99
Publisher Description
In this novel exploration of Reformed spirituality, Belden C. Lane uncovers a "green theology" that celebrates a community of jubilant creatures of all languages and species. Lane reveals an ecologically sensitive Calvin who spoke of himself as ''ravished'' by the earth's beauty. He speaks of Puritans who fostered a ''lusty'' spirituality in which Christ figured as a lover who encouraged meditation on the wonders of creation. He presents a Jonathan Edwards who urged a sensuous ''enjoyment'' of God's beauty as the only real way of knowing God.
Lane argues for the ''double irony'' of Reformed spirituality, showing that Calvinists who often seem prudish and proper are in fact a people of passionate desire. Similarly, Reformed Christians who appear totally focused on divine transcendence turn out at times to be closet nature mystics, exulting in God's glory everywhere. Lane also demonstrates, however, that a spirituality of desire can be derailed, ending in sexual excess and pantheism. Ecologically, holy longing can be redirected from a contemplation of God's splendor in the earth's beauty to a craving for land itself, resulting in disastrous misuse of its resources.
Between the major chapters of the book are engaging personal essays drawn from the author's own love of nature as a Reformed Christian, and providing a thoughtful discussion of contemporary issues of species diversity and the honoring of an earth community.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Lane scores on every shot. He awakens a thesis that the 16th-century Reformers desired a God whose beauty is reflected "generously (and flagrantly) in the world of nature." He rescues founders of Reformed spirituality, like John Calvin, and successors, like Jonathan Edwards, from brimstoned clich s. Lane, who teaches theology at Saint Louis University, broadens the image of Edwards considerably beyond the narrow legacy of the Puritan preacher's famous sinners' sermon: Edwards cared less about a vengeful God than a beautiful one who could be known through all five senses in nature. Lane asserts that Calvin is not a sexless citrus-sucker but a man of sensuous language, pleasure, and theology. Lane demonstrates, too, the legacy of these pastors and their contemporaries in poetry and politics; he cites modern environmental theologians and ethicists with roots in Reformed spirituality. Strengthening connections to contemporary sensibilities, Lane interleaves his personal essays with his commentary. In addition to rich quotes from others, Lane offers his own memorable thoughts, his words elegant as brocade in color and texture, scholarly but never stultifying.