Dictionary of Christian Spirituality wins Christian Book Award

The Dictionary of Christian Spirituality, edited by Glen Scorgie, Professor of Theology and Ethics at Bethel Seminary San Diego, recently received a 2012 Christian Book Award in the Bible Reference category. The Christian Book Awards are presented annually by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) to the finest works in Christian publishing. The Dictionary of Christian Spirituality includes entries and articles by more than 30 Bethel contributors. “All together, 34 Bethel University faculty members, from St. Paul and both coasts, wrote pieces for the volume—an encouraging indication of ongoing commitment at Bethel to the university’s historic regard for 'heart and mind,'” says Scorgie. “We trust that this milestone work will prove very useful to the people of God in the days ahead.”

The dictionary provides a global and biblical perspective of the development and contemporary expressions of Christian spirituality. It is comprised of 34 integrative essays, followed by 700 alphabetized entries including topics such as Christian traditions, spiritual practices, key doctrines, and periods in history. The work is designed for research purposes, but may also function as a textbook; the publisher is developing a collection of additional online resources for professors to incorporate. “This award is a real affirmation of our collaborative effort, and it is a special delight to be able to share this honor with so many contributors,” says Scorgie. “Perhaps it also indicates growing evangelical interest in Christian spirituality, which would also make the award a sign of hope—a cloud 'the size of a person’s hand' on the horizon of our times."