Beyond Well-Being

This volume arose out of a deep concern to assist people in their struggle to lead a flourishinglife. Fractured, stressed, relationally broken and spiritually empty people may instinctively reachfor the supposed panacea of happiness. But happiness is often a transitory state. More stable andworthwhile than the pursuit of happiness is leading a flourishing life. But what is flourishing? Isspirituality necessary for human flourishing and, if so, in what ways might spirituality provide aunique and important contribution to flourishing?The volume provides complementary yet diverse accounts of human flourishing. Each accountargues that spirituality in general, and Christian spirituality in particular, are vital contributors toflourishing.The volume will be valuable for those who are dissatisfied with popular hedonistic approachesto flourishing. Such people are ready for a change in approach, but often do not have a clearalternative in view. The Volume will provide a clear alternative to popular culture's representation of the flourishing person, which islargely vested in conspicuous consumption. The book will also be valuable for those who have considered alternatives to popularculture, but who lack an informed basis on which to evaluate these alternatives. Finally, the book will be valuable for those who arecommitted to Christian spirituality but may not appreciate the rich resources which Christian faith offers for human flourishing.Amongst the latter group are included Christian leaders such as priests and pastors, voluntary church workers and lay people who mayor may not be involved in formal religion but who long to flourish in their own lives and to enable others to do the same.