The God of Intimacy and Action: Reconnecting Ancient Spiritual Practices, Evangelism, and Justice

The pairing of Tony Campolo and Mary Albert Darling in the writing of this book was nothing short of brilliant. Author and professor Tony Campolo has long been known as an evangelical champion for the poor and oppressed, believing that the good news encompasses far more than the salvation that gets us to heaven. The name of Mary Albert Darling will be a new one to many readers, but in her capacity as a Jesuit-trained spiritual director, she's an ideal collaborator with Campolo for a book on what the authors call the "holistic" gospel --- one that incorporates evangelism, justice and ancient spiritual practices that have long been unfamiliar to Protestants like themselves. Their discovery of those ancient traditions, and practicing the traditions in their own lives, prompted Campolo and Darling to write a book that would provide Protestants with a deeper understanding of what is known as Ignatian spirituality --- the spirituality taught by St. Ignatius --- and its relationship to both evangelistic activity and working on behalf of the victims of injustice. The authors set the stage by assuring their audience --- evangelicals --- first, that the spiritual practices that have long been the domain of Catholics are just as legitimate for Protestants, and second, that what they're advocating is "mystical Christianity" and not some form of New Age mysticism. In the introductory chapters, and throughout the book, the authors make it clear that Jesus Christ and His work on the cross is foundational to all of the spiritual practices they follow. While there are many ancient practices used in contemporary spiritual life, THE GOD OF INTIMACY AND ACTION focuses on three: the prayer of examen, lectio divina and centering prayer. Following Campolo's detailed explanation of what Christian mysticism is, how it brings us into a more intimate relationship with God and how it provokes us to reach out to others, Darling gets down to the business of describing what exactly these three contemplative practices involve. Briefly --- because you will want to buy this book, and I can't do justice to it in these few words --- examen involves taking a daily account of your thoughts and actions, both good and bad; lectio divina is a specific method of reading scripture that draws you closer to God; and centering prayer involves the practice of "stillness" in the presence of God. These three practices are highly personal, but Campolo and Darling contend that the end result is anything but: "The ultimate purpose for mystically intimate experiences with Christ is to make us into persons through whom God can transform the world that is into the world that God intends it to be," the authors write in the postscript. "Christian mysticism is not an end in itself, but rather is the means to creating a kingdom of people who will not rest until we see 'justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream' (Amos 5:24)." Evangelicals who have long had this na

Dave Knight - This book found me at the ground level of a church plant that several friends and I began in the city of Pasadena, CA. I couldn't have read it at a better time. After finishing seminary I had already formed a strong philosophy of ministry which I planned to use as the DNA of our new church. It's not an exaggeration to say that this book encompassed and enhanced several of my ideas and thoughts on evangelism, social action and personal piety that we have incorporated into our new church. The book not only gives good theory but it is filled with practical, time-tested exercises that have led well-known Christians into a deep relationship with God, such as the Prayer of Examen. Darling's studies and experiences have seasoned her in a way that makes her writing impacting, challenging and encouraging. Campolo's writing, as usual, puts the reader on the edge of their seat. The pages are loaded with quotes and wisdom from myriad people across multiple eras. Being involved with a church plant requires a focused evangelistic emphasis. On p. 33, Campolo says that "Since then, there has never been a question in my mind that mystical spirituality is at the base of effective evangelism..." Campolo and Darling helped me understand that effective evangelism comes from a deep relationship with Jesus, as opposed to a certain method or approach. This is just one of the many ways I have been challenged from reading this book. I highly recommend it. Shelby Knight - As I read The God of Intimacy and Action I was challenged to know Christ more deeply and experience what they refer to as "first love" more often and to make Him known to a world in need of transformation through a contagious love. Tony and Mary remind us to rely on the Holy Spirit to empower us to do the work of the Lord, not to earn our salvation, but as an overflow of our intimacy. With this comes a desire to do His work and "...give an account for the hope that is in us" (1 Peter 3:15). This book is very relevant to a generation that is overwhelmed with the urgency to do something, because it talks about the balance between fueling intimacy with God, place in community and working for the freedom and justice of others.

The God of Intimacy and Action by Tony Campolo and Mary Darling urges the reader to work for justice and tells us that "it is our intimacy with Christ that ignites us to do what God commands." Intimacy with God is a concept that I have been attracted to for as long as I can remember, but never really understood how to obtain. I consider myself a person who is concerned about justice and loves the Lord, but I have been stuck in a rut. Is going to church, praying when I think about it, and trying to be "good" enough? Darling points out that "a relationship with Jesus should be anything but stagnant of stuck." I came to this book asking, "what next?" This is not just an inspirational book; it is a textbook on the mystical path. It instructs the reader in practical ways to fuel intimacy. These practices include: 1. The prayer of examen 2. Lectio Divina (holy reading and meditation on the word) 3. Centering prayer Like many, I have been uncomfortable with words like "mystical," and intimidated by any sort of ancient or meditative practice. Campolo and Darling approach the topic with such humility and add personal stories that lack presumption and are a joy to read. I was incredibly convicted by this book and didn't realize how much I needed to read it until I was finished. How do I remain full in such an empty world? How can I have a relationship with God that is not just about me, but encourages me to action? How can I expect to be God's light to the world without proactively pursuing intimacy with him? How do I even begin that journey? This book is a must-read for anyone struggling with these types of questions.

This book caused me to examine my spiritual life in ways many other books haven't... The God of Intimacy and Action: Reconnecting Ancient Spiritual Practices, Evangelism, and Justice by Tony Campolo and Mary Albert Darling. Those coming from a traditional Protestant background will have a few struggles with the concepts and terminology, but I'm convinced it's worth the effort. Concepts: Part 1 - Knowing God Intimately - Where Christian Mysticism Can Take Us: What Mystical Christianity Is All About; Christian Mysticism and Personal Evangelism; Christian Mysticism and Working for Justice Part 2 - Fueling Intimacy - The Mystical Path: Awaking to Mysticism and a Holistic Gospel (Even If You're Not a Monk); Cultivating Holy Habits; Moving from Self-Awareness to God-Awareness - The Prayer of Examen; Becoming God's Friend - Lectio Divina; Deepening Our Intimacy with God - Centering Prayer; Committing to a Holistic Gospel Part 3 - Taking Intimacy with God into the World: Avoiding Two Temptations; Connecting Intimacy and Action Postscript; Notes; The Authors; Index As I come from a more traditional evangelical Christian experience, seeing a word like "mysticism" raises a whole bunch of red flags. I found it extremely difficult to lay aside my preconceived notions and connotations of that word in order to give the book a fair chance. But once I did that (numerous times, I might add), then the message started to seep through. Using the practices and the lives of well-known saints throughout the ages, Campolo and Darling show how building a life of spiritual practices (intimacy with God) needs to lead to a life of social justice (action). It's not enough to live on a mountaintop trying to obtain a spiritual "high". That relationship with God should lead to following Jesus' example of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and caring for widows and orphans. It's that "action" part that's missing in far too many Christian experiences today. The partnership of these two authors is what makes the concept work for the book. Darling comes from more of a Catholic background, with the formalized practices often associated with that group. Campolo is the Protestant side, where the need for ceremony and ritual is often ignored or condemned. But the blending of these two mindsets leads you to realize that saints of old, like Francis of Assisi, didn't just spend all their time chanting in a cathedral. They fought for social justice and took action in their communities. This is so different than the typical "what have you done for *me* lately, God" mindset found all too frequently in today's world. I only wish there were different words to use than "mysticism" and "mystical". I'm afraid that many might be too quick to condemn the material as "new age" without understanding the deeper meaning and results. I'd recommend this book to anyone looking to deepen their Christian experience and become more action-driven in today's society.