The Problem with "Spiritual Classics"

Much teaching and scholarship in the discipline of Christian Spirituality focuses on texts, persons, and artifacts that have been identified as spiritual classics. But are there some detrimental consequences that result from this widespread fascination? This essay considers the limiting effects that the category of "spiritual classics" imposes on the content, method, and purpose of the discipline. What is being left out or relegated to the margins? Whose potential contributions are being ignored? By deconstructing "the classic" as a normative category, spirituality scholars may discover new depth and power in the mysteries they study.