What is Born of the Spirit is Spirit: A Biblical Spirituality of Spirit

by Mark G. Boyer

Publisher:

Wipf and Stock

, 2019

Overview

What is Born of the Spirit is Spirit provides reflections on Scripture texts associated with (Holy) Spirit and (human) spirit. Various aspects of Spirit and spirit are explored in one-hundred-five entries. The subtitle, A Biblical Spirituality of Spirit, indicates the ways biblical authors are inspired to present imaginatively what cannot be pictured: Spirit and spirit.
This book attempts to recover the spirituality of biblical stories that narrate how the Spirit connects to spirit and the results of such connectivity. By exploring the use of biblical metaphors and similes we develop a spirituality of Spirit, the way human spirit is in the presence of the divine Spirit. Spirituality is Spirit connecting to spirit. It is Spirit giving birth to spirit (John 3:6).

Key Features

Praise for What is Born of the Spirit is Spirit

Once again Mark Boyer has produced a spiritual handbook, guiding readers through the Bible and in this case introducing them to the work, the presence, and the impact of the Spirit on their lives. The very helpful format, similar to lectio divina, makes this a participatory experience and one to which the reader can return again and again.

——Victor Matthews, Missouri State University

Fr. Boyer guides us into a deeper experience of the Holy Spirit connecting with our human spirit, and inviting us to live our lives faithfully from the profundity of that Divine Presence. As an added bonus, Boyer also supplies a complete listing of biblical references to the Holy Spirit—truly a genuine gift for those who direct RCIA programs.

——Pauline Nugent, CCVI, Missouri State University

Spirit is a feeble heuristic for the things it is trying to describe because of the great immensity and intangibility of the forces and concepts embodied within it. Despite this Boyer deftly personalizes and describes the biblical concept of spirit and spirituality through his use of metaphor and simile along with well-researched insights from biblical passages.

——Luke R. Tembrock, research scientist

Boyer’s latest book explores the many interpretations of spirit as it is used throughout Scripture, from theological to metaphorical, and from human to divine. While the often ambiguous intentions of scriptural authors when using spirit may make for poor translation, this indefinite understanding is also rich fodder for spiritual development and reflection if you have the right guide, and Boyer is one of the best.

——John Kossler, ecologist, Western Meridian Resources

Product Details

• Title : What is Born of the Spirit is Spirit: A Biblical Spirituality of Spirit
• Author: Boyer, Mark G.
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Publication Date: 2019
• ISBN: 9781532697159

About Mark G. Boyer

Mark G. Boyer is a Roman Catholic priest of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He is the author of 35 books on biblical and liturgical spirituality. He teaches Bible and film courses in the religious studies department of Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri.