First Line Friday #28: Mansions of the Heart by R. Thomas Ashbrook

Thanks to Carrie at
Reading is My Superpower
for the Link-up

 

 

Title:  Mansions of the Heart
Author:  R. Thomas Ashbrook
Genre:  Christian Spirituality

  〰First Line〰

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The journey with Jesus:  My journey questions surfaced in the most unlikely way--in a Quonset hut and a chicken coop, with a tall thin monk who talked about listening to God.

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Synopsis:  (From Goodreads) 

A practical program for developing a deeper, more authentic relationship with God. Written for anyone who wants to develop a deeper more meaningful relationship with God, Mansions of the Heart offers a step-by-step guide through a spiritual formation road map based on Teresa of Avila's Seven Mansions. The book includes a Mapping Tool that will help you discern your place on your spiritual journey and offers church leaders a process for helping church members to grow into spiritual maturity.

Contains a spiritual program based on the writings of Teresa of Avila, one of Christianity's most profound and beloved mystical teachers.  Offers a complete, step-by-step program for spiritual growth.  Includes information for leading others in their spiritual journeys. Appropriate for all kinds of Christians.

〰First Thoughts〰

Ashbrook's volume is one of three books that are part of our undergraduate level Spiritual Formation Class at the university.  I put in a request to teach this course later this year, so I'm going over all the materials in preparation.  I've not read this author's work before, so it's good to connect with the work of an unfamiliar artist.  However, my goals for this book are not purely academic.  While the course and materials are for a college class, I hope the book truly conveys practical steps the reader can take to truly grow in his or her relationship with God and not be a mere academic volume that examines the Almighty from a theological distance.

So, what's the first line of the book you're currently reading?