You would think that there should be a really good introductory survey article, essay or book chapter out there that describes various distinctives within Christian spirituality – either by theme or by historical period. Something that looks briefly at each of things like monastic tradition (desert and cloister), mysticism, mendicant spirituality (Franciscan & Dominican), Lutheran, Anglican, Reformed, Holiness/Wesleyan etc.

Now, I know there are some good books out there like the one’s below – but what about a magazine or introductory academic article? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Books that do this include:

• A Brief History of Spirituality (Blackwell Brief Histories of Religion) by Philip Sheldrake
• Exploring Christian Spirituality: An Ecumenical Reader edited by Kenneth Collins
• A Brief History of Christian Spirituality by Bradley Holt
• The Blackwell Companion to Christian Spirituality (Blackwell Companions to Religion)

As does something like Foster’s Streams of Living Water: Celebrating the Great Traditions of Christian Faith does this.

I shall continue my trawling of journals, books and magazines…