I have recently read Marjorie J. Thompson, Soul Feast (1995, 2005). I want to share in the form of a journal what she has taught me about Christian spiritual life.
In Chapter 1, she discusses the spiritual yearning of our time. She uses the term “discipline” in two ways. One is that of an order imposed by an authority external to you. The other is as a form of training for something that you value. She utilizes the notion of “hunger” in a different way. True, we hunger for God, but for her, God is hungry, even starved, for companionship with us. She rejects the notion that tradition is always an impediment to change. In fact, she thinks that a true grasp of Christian tradition will make it life-giving and life-changing, even for us modern folks. I like that. So many of us as modern people look upon tradition in a negative and alienating way. Yet, the tradition, the history, is what has got us to the place we presently are. I think we need to be at a point where we can be thankful before we can also be at a point of moving on to the new directions the Holy Spirit may lead the church or an individual life. She has a holistic view of spiritual life, in that it permeates all of life. Spiritual life is not just something we do in a little compartment of our lives.
In Chapter 2, she discusses spiritual reading. Spiritual reading involves attitude and intention in our reading. For her, a spiritual reading views what one is reading as a love letter. Christian formation involves being shaped by the mind of Christ, who will actually bring us to the fullness of our humanity.
In Chapter 3, she discusses approaches to prayer. She refers to Douglas V. Steere, Dimensions of Prayer, as saying that prayer is being present where we are and not too elsewhere. Consistent with many authors concerning spiritual life, simply paying attention is an important part of prayer.
In Chapter 4, she discusses the importance of public worship in Christian spiritual life. In particular, what struck me is that those of us who lead worship need to grasp that what we are doing is an important part of the spiritual life and discipline of those who come. Of course, for some, it is “habit.” Yet, for many persons, gathering for worship is a significant part of their formation as disciples of Christ. As we ponder worship, we need to ask ourselves the extent to which what we are doing assists that formation. She refers to the now famous analogy that Kierkegaard drew concerning the theater of worship. Most people view worship as if they are in the seats of a theater, judging whether what is happening on stage entertains them or not. In reality, he says, God is the audience, and we as worshipers are on stage. What we offer as worship is to please God, not each other.
Chapter 5 is an attempt to recover the fast. Outside of food, she suggests fasting from media stimulation, fitness mania, judging others, and overpacked schedules. She refers to national repentance as well. I am confident that, given the political and cultural read one has of the nation, great diversity would occur. For some, the number of abortions in this country is an occasion of repentance, while for another, “materialism, greed, and consumerism” would provide such an occasion. Some would look at the national debt as a sign of our need for repentance. Some would look at what they view as inappropriate involvement in other nations as yet another occasion of repentance. Support for what comes out of “Hollywood” could be another occasion of repentance. One of the difficulties we have today is to separate what may be a genuine “prophetic” concern for what is little more than a political agenda dressed in the clothing of such “prophetic” utterances.
In Chapter 6, she discusses self-examination, confession, and awareness. She offers one of the better explanations and practices of these areas of spiritual life that I have read. She especially discusses these matters in the context of life review, daily review, and the examination of conscience.
Chapter 7 is a discussion of spiritual direction. In a quite simple way, she discusses what spiritual directors do and how you can benefit from being in such a relationship. My own experience of spiritual direction is not as consistent as she recommends. However, I will say that at significant moments in my life, I have had this relationship. God can use it to deepen your spiritual life.
Chapter 8 is a discussion of the spirit of hospitality. What I found helpful here are the questions she raises. Have you ever met Christ under the guise of a stranger? What is the essence of hospitality for you? What are the most important ingredients of hospitality? Do we experience God in the stranger? Have we experienced the hospitality of God? Have we been hospitable to God in our lives? Have you received others into your life in a way that enriches you and them? Are we hospitable at home? Are we hospitable in the workplace? Are we hospitable in our neighborhoods? Are we hospitable in our churches? Are we hospitable to the various groups of the civic community? For her, all of this arises out of the love of God for us.
Chapter 9 is a discussion of the rule of life. She attempts to take some of the rules of monastic life and apply them to Christian spiritual life. We need such “rules” to guide our formation as disciples of Christ. Such rules keep us accountable to others to self.
The book ends with a study guide. In that way, it is quite excellent for personal and gorup study. I highly recommend the book.
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