Humane Christianity: Arguing With the Classic Christian Spiritual Disciplines in the Light of Jesus of Nazareth

Humane Christianity examines how the institutional church, which should be a shining example of God's love in the world, has so often throughout history been the very opposite--corrupt, oppressive, abusive, and inhumane. In analyzing why this has been so, Alan Bartlett shows the serious consequences of this inhumanity for Christian witness today. In the journey of revealing a more humane Christianity the book ranges widely: from the problems caused by traditional language of "original sin" or the legacy of the harsh reality of the Rule of Benedict, to explorations of the Christology of Irenaeus, the love of Julian of Norwich, the passion of Martin Luther, the theological method of Richard Hooker, and the balanced spirituality of Jeremy Taylor. Humane Christianity suggests a way forward rooted in an open orthodoxy and a thoughtful, passionate commitment to the message of the gospels. The end result is a way of living as Christians that is more attractive, just, and above all, humane.

Alan Bartlett is M.A. Program Director and Tutor in Church History, Spirituality, and Anglican Studies at Cranmer Hall, St. John’s College, University of Durham.