Discipleship, Secularity, and the Modern Self: Dancing to Silent Music

In a secular age, Judith A. Merkle explores the situation of Christian spirituality through the images of dance, silence, and music, drawing on the work of Charles Taylor and core aspects of Christian theology on discipleship. She argues that response to the reality of God can be captured through the image of dance and that discipleship can be viewed and integrated in daily life through the lens of a community of faith, service, prayer, worship, and sacramentality. The image of dancing to silent music is a powerful symbol of Christian religious experience.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 20 August 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Judith A. Merkle delves into the realm of Christian spirituality in a secular age, employing captivating images such as dance, silence, and music to explore its contemporary manifestations. Drawing upon the insights of Charles Taylor and fundamental aspects of Christian theology on discipleship, Merkle poses the intriguing question of how these new conditions impact the practice of Christianity as modern discipleship. The author affectionately refers to God as the music maker, suggesting that the response to the reality of God can be encapsulated through the image of dance. Merkle underscores the diverse ways in which individuals in secular society connect with God, emphasizing not only the call of creation and conscience but also the profound significance of the Eucharist and the unity found within a believing community. Through the lens of discipleship, Merkle offers a profound understanding of how a community of faith, service, prayer, worship, and sacramentality can be viewed and integrated into daily life. She highlights the inseparable connection between prayer, Eucharist, and a believing community, emphasizing that the dance of discipleship can be lived harmoniously in secular society. The image of dancing to silent music serves as a powerful symbol of Christian religious experience in the modern world, resonating with individuals seeking a deeper connection with their faith and spirituality.

Weight: 330g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780567693402