Following the Spirit
Seeing Christian faith through community eyes
270pp
[978-1-84694-294-5]

In brief, the book contains three main sections. The first traces in outline the history of the Community from its earliest beginnings in Britain to its present manifestation as a religious community of The Episcopal Church of the USA. The second discusses a range of topics (worship, relationships and so on) on which there was often a characteristic "community" point of view. The third reflects on the sense of theological journey involved in moving over time from a typically exuberant and other-worldly charismatic spirituality to a more down to earth "incarnational" outlook.

Structure

After some stage setting by a Preface, Foreword (by Betty Pulkingham) and introductory chapter, we come to the first main section: The Evolution of Vocation. This phrase provides the narrative for eight historical chapters, covering what might otherwise be a very muddled story with many bypaths. The process culminates with formal recognition by The Episcopal Church, completion of the Chapel of the Holy Spirit and the beginnings of life in the locality as an independent Episcopal presence unconnected to any particular local church.

The second section contains ten chapters on aspects of community life. This can best be conveyed by listing the chapter headings: Worship, Relationships, The "Son of God" teachings, Religious and secular life, Prayer, Faith, The Bible, Evangelism, Politics, Church. Despite its adherence to mainstream orthodoxy in theology and liturgical practice, the Community often found itself at variance on these subjects with the attitudes and outlook of many local churches. This section tries to bring this out, though the picture is not black and white.

The third section has three chapters entitled God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Spiritual life is closely linked with how we think about divinity. Desire for transcendental experience can lead to enthusiastic worship of Jesus as Lord, yet without a truly vital connection to what Jesus said and did. Community life tempered charismatic experience and broadened it, in the process leading to an appreciation of God as immanent and a deeper understanding of the Incarnation.

A final epilogue reflects briefly on the impact of the Community and its significance for church life.