The Gospels and Christian Life in History and Practice

The Gospels and Christian Life in History and Practice approaches the four canonical gospels in an engaging way as handbooks for religious formation through communal practices. The book focuses on the communities that produced each gospel, the dynamic energy each gospel displays for creating and sustaining community life, the different interpretations of the person of Jesus, and the different systems of organization and leadership each gospel promulgated. Providing necessary background information for understanding the social, intellectual, and religious setting for each gospel, the authors then build on these foundations to illustrate the nature and scope of the community's practices. Book jacket.

Richard Valantasis is codirector of the Institute for Contemplative Living in Santa Fe, New Mexico, professor of ascetical theology, and director of the Anglican Studies Program, Emory University. He is an ordained Episcopal priest. Douglas K. Bleyle is codirector of the Institute for Contemplative Living in Santa Fe, New Mexico and an aspirant to holy orders in the Episcopal Church. Dennis C. Haugh is an adjunct professor at the Iliff School of Theology and a Roman Catholic layperson with extensive experience in the areas of adult faith formation.