A pioneer in his radical approach to politics and prayer, internationally known theologian and activist Kenneth Leech has for half a century influenced religious leaders on both sides of the Atlantic. This essential reference text brings together his writings on prayer, contextual theology, and social justice in one wide-ranging volume. This selection of writings illustrates how theology can inform prayer and action in a local context, plus highlights wider themes such as globalization and inter-faith collaboration. Secondary goals were to present materials from both British and North American perspectives. The key criteria in selecting material were continuing relevance, popular appeal, and readability. The book is organized by theme, including: FIRST PRINCIPLES — illustrating how his revolutionary political convictions arose from Trinitarian orthodoxy. THE VISIBLE CHURCH — focusing on the Anglican denomination, and on reaction and renewal of the Catholic tradition. MINISTRY ON THE MARGINS — highlighting Leech’s work in various aspects of ministry, especially with respect to anti-racism, drugs, homelessness, and young people. SPIRITUAL THEOLOGY — containing his reflections about prayer and worship, noting particularly the indivisibility of spirituality and social justice. PILGRIM JOURNEY — including people and places that have influenced Leech and personal reflections about discipleship and ministry.
A Christian social thinker writing on the relationship between race and power in Britain and the United States. Kenneth Leech combines history, politics, and theology to portray the dynamics of racism here and abroad, and points a way forward for the church. "Race does not exist. Yet in this extraordinary book Ken Leech exposes how racism grips the imaginations of Christian and non-Christian alike, shaping our relations with one another and having disastrous results not only in neighborhoods but in foreign policies. Pauline-like, Leech helps us see that race is a power all the more perverse because it is not acknowledged as such. In conversation with the best work in science, social theory, and theology, Leech challenges the presumption that we have somehow gotten beyond racialized thinking. Moreover, drawing on his extraordinary pastoral experience, he helps us see a way beyond race. This book should be read in both England and America as both countries, in quite different ways continue to be dominated by racialized practice. And finally, and perhaps most important, Leech draws on Christian convictions to challenge Christians, not only how to think differently about race but hopefully how to practice our faith in a manner that we may be an alternative for the world." --Stanley M. Hauerwas, Gilbert T. Rowe professor of Theological Ethics, Duke Divinity School; named "America's Best Theologian" by Time Magazine in 2001
Fairacres Publications 106 Sometimes the message of optimism and hope of the fourteenth-century writer Julian of Norwich is understood rather superficially. Two lectures, given at her Shrine in Norwich, which can assist our understanding of her theology are reproduced here. Kenneth Leech shows how Julian can help us to recover a sense of the goodness of creation, and he challenges superficial interpretations of her saying that ‘all shall be well’. Sister Benedicta reconsiders Julian in the light of the solitary tradition and contemporary medieval documents, suggesting that Julian may have been a widow who had borne a child.
In 1977 the first edition of Soul Friend was published, a book that has since become a classic in the field. Now Kenneth Leech has revised it, removing noninclusive language, and adding some material that relates to the changes in our society since that time. Scholarly, yet accessible, Leech's book explores the range of issues that concern both directors and those who seek direction: the history of spiritual direction, the relationship between director and directee, the practice of prayer in the Christian spiritual tradition, and the role of the spiritual director, not just for the individual but in the larger society. Using contemporary theories in the field of psychology and spiritual practice, Leech never loses sight of the richness of ancient understandings. As Michael Ramsey, former Archbishop of Canterbury said of Leech's first edition: "At last we have a work on the cure of souls which understands the trends of the present day and at the same time draws upon the deep tradition of Christian spirituality in the work of counselor, confessor, and spiritual director." Book jacket.
Through hymns, poems, and the lens of personal experience, a leading spiritual director and author takes a thoughtful, in-depth look at the Cross as a focal point for theology, spirituality, Christian symbolism, and discipleship, providing a probing and disturbing resource for group study during Lent.
Vast in scope, rich in insight and eminently readable." Worship This is a book about the God, the many splendored God, to whom the human community journeys. It's pages offer sage direction...for anyone who wants to improve the quality of his or her life as a pilgrim...Experiencing God may well become a major pastoral contribution to the formation of a biblically and theologically sound contemporary theology." New Catholic World Succeeds admirably in what it sets out to do; to introduce lay Christians, in a way that engages them personally, to the rich resources which the Christian tradition offers those who seek a practical path for approaching God. Those unaquainted with that tradition will find it most helpful; but spiritual directors will also find here a useful, readable resource for enriching their personal lives and ministry." - Theological Studies A landmark." Review and Expositor
The central theme of 'The Social God' is the belief that God is social, and that both Christian prayer and Christian social action are rooted in the nature of God. Christian action in the fields of social justice and the political arena is rooted in Christian doctrine. 'The Social God' stresses the essential unity of doctrine and action, of prayer and politics, examining the Christian understanding of God and his relationship with the world. Kenneth Leech emphasizes the centrality of the Incarnation and reveals the other aspects of Christian spirituality, the dangers of a new fascism, and the need for a renewal of Christian theology.
This book explores the relationship between personal spirituality and pastoral ministry, extolling the pastor's primary role as spiritual instructor to the parish. Leech shares with pastors and spiritual directors the important insights that counseling and psychotherapy lend to the process of spiritual direction. Leech amkes concrete his advice in spiritual formation by holding up the lives of four parish priests who were a great influence on his own spiritual development, and of whom the Church Times writes, All were gospel radicals.
The acclaimed author of Soul Friend speaks from the heart of his lifelong urban ministry in this spirited call for living out one's Christian spirituality in the real world. Leech argues brilliantly for the essential unity of Christian spirituality and social commitment, showing that spirituality without community "can be a dangerous diversion from the living God".
Written by a leading figure in the Church's response to the drug scene, this book begins by examining the pharmacology of drug use. It then moves on to look at social and cultural aspects of drug use, and at the role the Christian community can play.
Carrying a bigger Bible, putting a bigger bumper sticker on the back of your car, and hollering a little louder during praise and worship may get you seen and heard, but it won't get you any closer to God. If your Sunday-go-to-meetin' conduct doesn't carry over into your Monday through Saturday, it's only a parody of true godliness, according to author Kenneth C. Ulmer.
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