The Ancient Practices to Examine Characteristics of Authentic and Historic Faith

It is questionable if one can ever be exactly the same person waking up on two consecutive days. How are spiritual sojourners to cope with the constant change? Many are beginning to explore the ancient Christian spiritual practices, such as fixed-hour prayer, fasting, and sincere observance of the Sabbath. What is causing this hunger for deeper spirituality?

Matt Baugher, Thomas Nelson Vice President and Publisher, announced Wednesday that the Spiritual Growth division of Thomas Nelson, Inc. will begin an 8-book series on spiritual disciplines that will be referred to as “The Ancient Practices Series.” Each new title will be written by a leading author on spirituality and will include an introduction by acclaimed author Phyllis Tickle.

“Religion, wherever it is found, is more than a system of untethered beliefs. Rather, it is an intricate, interlocking lacework of physical laws, intellectual assumptions, and spiritual values that, held in common, are both the faith lived and its perpetuation,” remarks Tickle. “This series of seven volumes and an overarching introductory one is a reverent, grateful, and unabashedly Christian celebration of that heritage which has been with us from the beginning and will be with us until the end.”

Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices by Brian McLaren will kick off the series on May 6, 2008, and will act as a guide for the explanation of the seven spiritual practices, many of which go all the way back to Abraham and the establishment of Israel. In the midst of contemporary Christianity, readers will discover the beauty of these disciplines and the transformation through Christ that each can provide. In Constant Prayer by Robert Benson, the first topical book, is about the ancient practice of fixed-hour prayer and will release the same day. Both titles will be promoted for six months prior to the start of the additional quarterly releases.

“This is one of the most important series that Thomas Nelson has ever released,” said Baugher. “I believe the market is ready for a readable, insightful group of volumes detailing these ancient practices that can transform lives so deeply. In a time where churches are struggling to make disciples, these books will serve as in indispensable aid.”

PHYLLIS TICKLE IS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW.

Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices
by Brian McLaren
Available on May 6, 2008
Jacketed Hardcover, ISBN 978-0-8499-0114-0, $17.99
Brian McLaren is an internationally known speaker and the author of over ten highly acclaimed books on contemporary Christianity, including A New Kind of Christian, A Generous Orthodoxy, and The Secret Message of Jesus.

In Constant Prayer
by Robert Benson
Available on May 6, 2008
Jacketed Hardcover, ISBN 978-0-8499-0113-3, $17.99
Robert Benson is an acclaimed author and retreat leader on the art and the practicality of living a more contemplative and prayerful life. He has published more than a dozen books about the search for the sacred in the midst of everyday lives.

Sabbath
by Dan Allender
Available on November 14, 2008
Dan Allender serves as president and professor at Mars Hill Graduate School in Seattle, Washington. He is a therapist in private practice, a frequent speaker, and a seminar leader across North America. He is the author of multiple bestsellers, including The Wounded Heart, Bold Love and To Be Told.

Fasting
by Scot McKnight
Available on February 13, 2009
Scot McKnight is a widely-recognized authority on the New Testament, early Christianity, and the historical Jesus. A popular speaker, he is the author of more than twenty books, including the award-winning The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others.

Sacred Meal
by Nora Gallagher
Available on May 14, 2009
Nora Gallagher is the author of two memoirs Things Seen and Unseen: A Year Lived in Faith and Practicing Resurrection, both published by Knopf and Vintage Books. Her essays, book reviews, and journalism have appeared in many publications. She is the editor of the award-winning Notes from the Field (Chronicle Books, 1999).

Sacred Journey
by Diana Butler Bass
Available on August 14, 2009
Diana Butler Bass works as an author, speaker, and independent scholar. She is the author of six books, and her best-selling book, The Practicing Congregation: Imagining a New Old Church (Alban, 2004), has been lauded as one of the most important books ever written on mainline Protestantism. Her most recent book, Christianity for the Rest of Us, was named one of the best books of the year by Publishers Weekly.

The Liturgical Year
by Joan Chittister
Available on November 13, 2009
Joan Chittister is a Benedictine Sister and an international lecturer on topics concerning the contemporary issues in church and society. She has authored 35 books and has won seven Catholic Press Association Awards.

Tithing
by Douglas LeBlanc
Available on February 12, 2010
Douglas LeBlanc began covering religion in 1984 at the Morning Advocate in Baton Rouge, La. Since then he has worked as an editor for Compassion International, Episcopalians United (now Anglicans United), and Christianity Today. His work frequently appears in Christian Research Journal, The Weekly Standard, and The Wall Street Journal.

Contact: Stephanie Newton
Publicist II
tel: (615) 902-2320
fax: (615) 902-2129
email: snewton@thomasnelson.com

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