One of the things about the Anglican Communion at the moment is that it seems that it has got itself a bit preoccupied with issues that seem a very long way from spirituality,writes Mark Chapman.
As a welcome antidote to this Canterbury Press has begun to produce a series of ‘Studies in Spiritual Theology’. These are collections of writings of some of the great spiritual writers of the Anglican Tradition from the sixteenth century to today.
Two that might help people deepen their understanding of Anglicanism and its particular contribution of spirituality are Law and Revelation: Richard Hooker and His Writings (edited by Raymond Chapman) and Heaven in Ordinary: George Herbert and His Writings (edited by Philip Sheldrake).
Both of these have useful historical introductions and offer a great resource as tasters in these two very different writers. Hooker was the giant of the early Church of England in Elizabeth I’s time – but his work wasn’t just dense theology. Instead his wisdom speaks over the centuries as he reflects on the relationship of reason, tradition and scripture and on the importance of good order and God’s law. Herbert was one of our greatest poets, but he was also for a short time a country parson – while his world might have been very different from ours, he can nevertheless inspire us with his practical spiritual advice and his ability to connect God with the world around him.
Another volume in a similar area is Anglicanism (compiled and edited by Paul Elmer More and Frank Leslie Cross, James Clarke, 2008). This is a spiritual classic first published in 1935 and out of print for a long time. It contains writings from the first couple of centuries of Anglicanism on a huge variety of themes – most selections are quite short and offer much meat for reflection. There is something here for everybody.
Finally, Gerald O’Collins in Jesus: Portrait (Darton, Longman and Todd, 2008) offers a picture of Jesus where he able to draw on his scholarship in the Bible and in theology to paint a portrait of Jesus which is at the same time a work of deep spirituality and devotion and which invites us into the abundant life revealed by Jesus as he spoke of the kingdom of God.
Mark Chapman is Vice-Principal of Ripon College, Cuddesdon and Reader in Modern Theology at the University of Oxford.

Holy Anger: Jacob, Job, Jesus by Lytta Basset,writes Martyn Percy. This work on anger is a profound meditation on humanity and redemption. It is a tough read, but well worth persevering with. I especially love Bill Countryman’s short introduction to the gospel – why it is good news, and the profound difference this makes to our lives and witness. It is one of the most compelling books on faith to have been published in recent years. Basset, L., Holy Anger: Jacob, Job, Jesus, Ottawa, Novalis/St. Paul University Press, London, Continuum, 2007.
God of Surprises by Gerard Hughes: Hughes’ book inspires with its engagingly honest and focused personal attention on Ignatian spirituality, and the social and political implications of re-imagining and experiencing afresh the challenging presence of Jesus in our lives. Hughes, G., God of Surprises, London, DLT, 1985.
A Journey with Jonah: The Spirituality of Bewilderment by Paul Murray: This beautiful and short book about Jonah is for any of us (all of us?) who have sometimes struggled in our faith. And by walking with Jonah, Murray offers some truly profound insights into the heart of God – abundant kindness, mercy, patience and forgiveness. Murray, P., A Journey with Jonah: The Spirituality of Bewilderment, Dublin, Columba Press, 2002.
The Go-Between God by John Taylor: This classic text is, of course, still a great joy to read, even thirty years on from publication. I still find the style, stories and substance of the book to be beautiful, moving, persuasive and inspiring. Taylor, J., The Go-Between God, London, SCM, 1979.
There is, of course, a problem with any list like this: what actually constitutes a ‘religious’ or spiritual book? Personally, I love the writings of Garrison Keillor, and would begrudge parting with his masterly chapter ‘Protestant’ in Lake Wobegon Days. Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart would be a wonderful book for a desert island or any Lenten wilderness, just in case you met the natives. Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale could remind you of what you might be missing (and glad of). Book lists can tell us a great deal about our spirituality and personality. I love a good personal story, which is why Garrison Keillor is such a favourite. Dominique Lapierre’s The City of Joy and Thornton Wilder’s The Bridge of San Luis Rey also have much to say about the providence of God in the midst of darkness and doubt. Equally, I cannot commend Barbara Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible highly enough – a tragic tale of misconceived missionary endeavour. But a personal favourite – and a great novel for any Lent (it is very long!) – is John Irving’s A Prayer for Owen Meany. If you like irony, quirky characters and shrewd observations about clergy of all kinds, buy, read and enjoy. And ask yourself, as the central character in the book does, often: ‘what is God’s purpose for my life?’
The Revd Canon Professor Martyn Percy is Principal of Ripon College, Cuddesdon.

The Things He Carried by Stephen Cottrell. This is a short book but full of good things,writes David Winter.
The Bishop of Reading invites us to reflect on the ‘things’ that Jesus carried to the cross - starting, of course, with the cross itself. Vividly he portrays the stumbling figure on the path of sorrows from Pilate’s palace to Golgotha - ‘he treads a path of suffering, step by painful step, that is the suffering of the world’. As well as the cross, Jesus carried a crown of thorns, a seamless robe, disappointments, hopes, sorrows, a broken heart . . . and the sins of the world. You could read this little book in less than two hours, but its impact may stay with you for the rest of your life.(The Things He carried by Stephen Cottrell. SPCK. £6.99)
New for 2010, The Things He Said, a follow on from The Things He Carried, focussing on what Jesus said.
The Happiness Secret by J. John. Evangelist and Anglican priest J. John offers a very challenging series of studies in the Beatitudes - the famous sayings of Jesus each of which begins with the word ‘blessed’ - or ‘happy’, as the word could equally well be translated. This is, in a way, a ‘life-style’ book, but the life it talks about is that of the disciple of Jesus. J John uses his own Greek background to illuminate the text, and his own sharp eye for the ups and downs of ordinary life to apply the message of Jesus to contemporary living. This book is deceptively easy to read, but rather more difficult to live by.(The Happiness Secret by J John. Hodder & Stoughton. £10.99)
Quiet Spaces edited by Naomi Starkey. This is not one book, but a series of illustrated 64-page ‘spirituality journals’ published three times a year. Each has a theme and as many as fifteen articles or reflections on a single theme, written by well-known contributors - Margaret Silf, Veronica Zundel, Dick France and many others. Themes over the years have included Solitude, Night, The Wilderness, The Garden and The Journey. You can order any of the back issues - they are listed on the web-site (quietspaces.org). (Quiet Spaces BRF £4.99 or by subscription.)
When I survey - Christ’s Cross and Ours by John Pridmore. Many people deeply appreciated John Pridmore’s weekly reflections on the weekly lectionary readings in the Church Times. This study book for the 2010 York Lent Course is a brief but masterly and deeply moving treatment of the passion of Jesus and its meaning for us today. It is firmly rooted in the contemporary world and its problems and yet also profoundly faithful to the biblical narrative. The author writes of the darkness and silences of Calvary, of the journey of faith, of ‘swimming against the tide of society’. Yet these are positive and inspiring reflections on what is surely the heart of our spiritual centre. Whether you choose to follow the York Course or not, this study booklet is worth acquiring!(When I Survey - Christ’s Cross and Ours by John Pridmore. York Courses PO Box 343, York YO19 5YB
Canon David Winter is a former Diocesan Adviser on Evangelism, former BBC head of religious affairs and the author of many books. Turn to page 19 to read his Thought for the Month.