Böcker av Martin Thornton

This is a book about pastoral priorities and parochial spirituality. Mr. Thornton argues that considerations of biblical and philosophical theology, history, and psychology alike demand that pastoral work should be based on that Remnant of faithful souls--often very few in number--to be found in any parish; and that their training and direction is of very much greater importance than devising schemes to interest the multitude. He argues forcefully against the parochial activity which aims at adding numbers of individuals to the Church by methods of recruitment; this he holds to be theologically unsound and ascetically ineffective. His faith is that God will add to the Church such as are being saved when there is at the heart of the parish this Remnant living by rule, a center of adoration and charity--the rightful heir, he contends, of medieval monastic Order. There is probably no other modern work which attempts such a serious and thorough examination of the type of spirituality to which Christians can aspire in the world today.

Books are rarely written for Christians ""proficient"" in spirituality--those who are neither beginners nor advanced in their lives of prayer. Finally back in print, Christian Proficiency is a valuable handbook to those laypersons that have reached that point in their development where they need guidance and direction to make further progress in their spiritual proficiency.Martin Thornton offers articulate insights on:Developing a discipline of spirituality, a rule of life as a framework for prayerChoosing a confessorThe pitfalls of aridity, distraction, and the problem of being over-scrupulousThe ""mechanics"" of prayerEssential terms in spirituality (see the Glossary in the back of the book)The crucial importance of spiritual directionMaking retreats

Description:Intelligent Christians not only lead lives of prayer, but also require an understanding of prayer. Too often we are told how to pray, but not why we pray. Too often we are asked to recite our creeds, but not to explore how they express our faith. This first American edition of Thornton''s classic work provides inquisitive Christians with a map for an informed life of prayer. Drawing on the work of Macquarrie and Buber, Thornton illuminates the nature of the Trinity as the ground of our existence, and the eucharist as our ultimate form of prayer.Endorsements:"It is written in a spirit of theological wisdom which will endure for generations . . . His gift to us in all his writings . . . is a lasting one. He replaced ''last-ditch apologetic'' with ''exciting and practical Christian adventure.'' "This is a handbook for adventurers." Alan Jonesfrom the Foreword "This is, without question, the most valuable of all Fr. Thornton''s writings." A. M. AllchinThe Church Times "Thornton has always had a very personal voice, one that has meant much to Anglicans and others who are patient with spiritual counsel from the ages." The Christian Century About the Contributor(s):Martin Thornton has been a leading light in Anglican Theology and spirituality for the past forty years. His numerous books, including English Spirituality, Spiritual Direction, and A Joyful Heart have helped to shape the course of contemporary religious thought. Before his death in June, 1986, Thornton had served for ten years as Chancellor of Truro Cathedral.

Does a Lenten book have to be grim?Through Lenten meditations such as ""The Woodlouse Sermon,"" ""The Thomist Football League,"" and ""The Girl in the Bikini,"" Martin Thornton pursues the somber spirituality of Lent with an air of lightheartedness. In the spirit of G. K. Chesterton and C. S. Lewis, Thornton points to the humor of Jesus's parables as he devises his own homespun tales that make a lasting impression with their casual, amusing charm.An excellent resource for Lenten study groups!

Synopsis:Here at last is a book that deals seriously and comprehensively with the rapidly growing field of spiritual direction. Spiritual Direction offers practical help to those clergy and laypersons who are responsible for the spiritual lives of other people. Spiritual Direction encourages spiritual directors to take their responsibilities seriously and professionally, moving spiritual direction away from "cozy little chats" to the "cold, hard slab" of the examining table. Equipped with certain skills--a keen knowledge of human psychology and an awareness of biblical and contemplative traditions--the spiritual director objectively examines the client, then offers concrete guidance for the spiritual life of the client. As a prominent figure in pastoral theology and Anglican spirituality for three decades, Martin Thornton is uniquely qualified to offer us insights into spiritual direction. He restores credibility and professionalism to spiritual direction, which is at once hard, analytical, and supportive. Thornton writes with wit, common sense, and an absence of sentimentality on a topic that calls for serious attention. Spiritual Direction is important reading for the increasing numbers of laypeople involved in spiritual direction, as well as for clergy and pastoral counselors.Author Biography:Martin Thornton (1915-1986) was an Anglican priest and spiritual director, author and lecturer on ascetical theology. He was active for much of his life in the Diocese of Truro, England.

Endorsements:"The republication of this definitive text is long overdue and a must for all those who are concerned for the maintenance of a sound, optimistic spirituality."-Alan Jones "Skillfully uses Bible and history to good advantage in this long look at English Spirituality''s roots." -The Christian Century"I know of no other book that rivals Thornton''s work as a clear and well written compilation of so much valuable material." -Review of Books & Religion "Will provide both Protestant and Catholic readers with an exceptionally readable and thorough treatment of a shared tradition."-Spiritual LifeAuthor Biography:Martin Thornton was one of the leading lights in Anglican theology and spirituality. Of his numerous books, English Spirituality and Spiritual Direction have helped shape the course of ascetical theology. Before his death in June 1986, Thornton served for ten years, as Chancellor of Truro Cathedral. A Joyful Heart was his last book.

In 1911, Winston S. Churchill and Robert L. Borden became companions in an attempt to provide naval security for the British Empire as a naval crisis loomed with Germany. Their scheme for Canada to provide battleships for the Royal Navy as part of an Imperial squadron was rejected by the Senate with great implications for the future.

Understanding foreign policy has become more essential than ever in today's integrated world. How the United States acts as a nation has far-reaching consequences, especially in times of war. To better understand America's stance on foreign policy today, it is helpful to analyze how U.S. presidents and leaders have acted in the past, particularly throughout the 20th century. Thornton argues that descriptions or the classification of presidents have been misleading since presidents are often reacting to unique foreign policy crises and at times may have, through good diplomacy, forestalled serious crises from developing. Basing his insights on numerous first-hand sources such as handwritten notes and memos taken during meetings of heads-of-state, he portrays the presidents as very human individuals struggling with difficult questions and the responsibilities only men of their position have to deal with.Topics examined in the book include but are not limited to: Events leading up to the Cold War 1946-1952: Truman and Containment 1953-1960: Eisenhower and Military Challenge 1961-1963: JFK and Foreign Policy Leadership 1963-1968: Johnson and War Home and Abroad 1969-1974: Nixon, Kissinger, and the Search for Peace 1974-1976: Gerald R. Ford 1977-1980: Jimmy Carter 1981-1988: Ronald Reagan 1989-1991: George H. Bush and the End of the War. This text stands out due to its readability and its comprehensiveness. The average reader will have no problem getting a clear grasp of the topic at hand. The college professor of U.S. or international history, political science, international studies, or even ethicist who wishes to engage students in their reading assignments would do well to pick up this text.