Engaging the Spirit

For too long the Holy Spirit has tended to be either disregarded or the object of fanatical exclamation in the life of the church, especially in western Christianity, writes general editor Robert Boak Slocum in his introduction to this stimulating collection of eighteen essays from a broad spectrum of noted authors. The essays in this collection give attention to many ways of the Spirit's life and activity--for salvation and healing, for making Christ present in our lives and in the church, for empowering our prayers and liturgies, for our inspiration and gifting, for transformation of the way we live, for the redemption of the world and the ultimate coming of God's kingdom, for the unity of our relationships with each other and God. . . . As we recognize the Spirit's activity in our traditions and doctrines, our prayers and liturgies, and in all aspects of the life we live, we may be better attuned to the leading of the Spirit into the future of faith and our life in God. Engaging the Spirit was first published as a special Summer 2001 edition of the Anglican Theological Review, and is dedicated to the late Charles P. Price, theologian and professor at Virginia Seminary. A posthumously published essay by Dr. Price is a fitting and unique addition to the collection. Robert Boak Slocum is the author, editor, or co-editor of thirteen books. He received his Doctorate in Theology at Marquette University, and taught as a lecturer and visiting assistant professor in the Theology Department at Marquette. He later served at St. Catharine College in Kentucky as dean of the School of Arts & Sciences. He taught courses in religious studies and ethics as a professor at St. Catharine College. He was the president of the Society of Anglican and Lutheran Theologians, and the co-convenor of the Society for the Study of Anglicanism. He served on the board of the Anglican Theological Review. He is an Episcopal priest, and he served congregations in the dioceses of Louisiana, Milwaukee, and Lexington. He was ecumenical officer for the Diocese of Lexington. He lives in Danville, Kentucky, with his wife, Victoria. He has three grown children, Claire, Rebecca, and Jacob.