To the Nations for the Earth: A Missional Spirituality by Charles Fensham (review)

Fensham, professor of theology at Knox College, Toronto, offers here a missional spirituality, critical of the vague ‘‘spirituality’’ of popular use, which he thinks is often ‘‘disembodied, ethereal’’ (3), and individualistic. Christian spiritual life, he argues, must be rooted in the ‘‘big story of God and God’s creation’’ (3). He draws upon biblical texts, linking them to the new Universe Story (of Berry and Swimme), insisting on the essential ecological dimension of Christian mission in our time (1–3). Moreover, ‘‘there can be no Christian spirituality without community and community points to the church’’ (19).

Fensham has structured this book upon the typical order of church liturgy in five chapters: ‘‘The Call,’’ ‘‘Listen,’’ ‘‘Journey,’’ ‘‘Sacrament,’’ and ‘‘Send.’’

In chapter 1, ‘‘Call,’’ Fensham points out that we are called into being by the Creator, and called to participate in God’s redemptive mission in the world. God does not coerce us into the journey of mission, by which we find meaning and purpose. Rather, the call of the self-limiting, triune God is evocative, holding out the promise of blessing and freedom.

‘‘Listening,’’ chapter 2, explores the creaturely reality of humans, ‘‘whose primary posture is to listen’’ (35). In listening, we learn that we are not absolute and autonomous, but creatures whose task is to serve and protect creation. Descendants of Abraham are given the task of blessing others. An authentic Christian spirituality, then, includes, at its core, following Jesus the Messiah in the search for justice. Fensham goes on to discuss ‘‘Listening Habits.’’ This includes living in hope, sacrificial self-giving, a transformed mind, and hard work. The self-emptying God incarnate in Jesus inspires Christians to be of one accord in gracious activity in the world. Fensham recommends the Benedictine tradition of prayer, reading of Scripture and singing, together with practical physical labour.

Christian spirituality, says the author, is always a journey, always on the way, a kind of homelessness and hopeful sojourning. He holds up the tradition of pilgrimage, of ‘‘physical travel for the sake of the gospel’’ (74). It is a journey toward the neighbour, sometimes through suffering and God-forsakenness, and today especially a journey toward the broken creation and the reign of God. Beauty, too, is part of our embodied spirituality, which is enriched by music and art. The evangelistic witness to the gospel is part of regular Christian spiritual practice, and the prayerful, reflective practice of discernment.

‘‘Sacrament’’ is discussed in its broad sense as mysterion – most basically as the incarnation of God in Christ, but also broadly as signs of God’s grace. Here he emphasizes material embodiment and the practical ‘‘spirituality of the road.’’ Prayer becomes physical, involving bodies, feelings, and action. Such practicality, however, does not mean technological mastery, grand buildings, impressive numbers. He criticizes commercial and consumer models of church. Church, rather, provides a taste of what is to come—the realm of justice, peace, joy, and liberation. Baptism and Eucharist are dramatic physical, communal enactments of the church at prayer, in repentance and remembrance, and celebrations of grace.

As Christian liturgy ends with sending out into the world, ‘‘it is for this high calling that we are formed in Christian spirituality. We are called to be signs, a foretaste and fruit—a sacrament—of God’s reign that is coming’’ (142). While planning is necessary, he is critical of ‘‘technique’’ as manipulation. However, Fensham appreciates contemporary ‘‘digital community’’ and the shifting of cultural consciousness to greater interactive engagement through social media. We should therefore seek ways of enhancing communities with, and not against, new technologies. Visible, local communities, however, are still important as ‘‘seminaries,’’ seedbeds of missional engagement in the world. There will be discouragements, and individuals may never taste the results of their missional journey. Mission, then, will persevere if we are firmly centred in Christ, as ‘‘Judge and Saviour’’ (150). We will be fortified intellectually by rigorous, compassionate reading of...