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by Kenneth Swanson (Author)
Although many moral systems have been developed across history, Enter the Kingdom goes far beyond understanding virtue simply as the means to achieve moral goodness. It is a full presentation of the uniqueness of Christian virtue. Although the Christian virtues are rooted in natural virtues, they are distinct in two ways. First, Christian virtues can only be known as gifts of grace. Second, Christian virtues enable people of faith to enter deep intimacy with God. Enter the Kingdom has a chapter on each of twelve virtues that most enhance Christian spiritual formation. All twelve virtues are grounded in Scripture and Christian tradition. Some, incorporating spiritual concepts that are impossible to translate precisely into English, are presented under their original Greek names. They are humility, faith, hope, agape, apatheia, peace, kindness, generosity, purity of heart, praos, upomone, and wisdom. The final chapter, ""The Way Home,"" presents a pattern of spiritual formation designed to move a person of faith from a state of sin and alienation to a state of grace and intimacy with God. An ""Addendum"" lays out a prayer discipline, which will enable a person of faith to fully embrace Christian virtue.
Author Biography
Kenneth Swanson is an Episcopal priest. He has been in parish ministry for over fifty years and has developed an extensive ministry in spiritual formation. Swanson has a PhD from the University of Edinburgh and is the author of numerous articles on the history of religion, theology, spirituality, and social ethics as well as four books. He has recently taught at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University and for the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing.
