Heuertz, Simple Spirituality

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Christopher L. Heuertz, Simple Spirituality: Learning to See God in a Broken World. IVP Books, 2007.

Referenced in: Missional Lifestyle, Discipleship, Spirituality – Spirituality and Social Ministry

LifeandLeadership.com Summary

Spirituality among social activists often looks and feels less mystical and contemplative, and more active and engaged. This is true of Heuretz, a characteristic he shares with Shane Claiborne and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove in Becoming the Answer to our Prayers, and which is balanced by the mystical-activist hybrid in Campolo and Darling’s God of Intimacy and Action. The best in this category, however, is Randy White’s Encounter God in the City. Each of these volumes makes a good contribution to nurturing the spiritual life of those who are in the trenches among “the least of these.”

In this text, Heuretz writes out of his own journey to present the five touchpoints that have been formative for him while working among the poorest of the poor, a place where one can easily slip into bitterness and hopelessness. He insists that one does not have to be a mystic or an aesthetic to be spiritual. In contrast to the complex journeys and mysterious practices of the more trendy (and even ancient) spiritualities, he suggests five habits: humility, community, simplicity, submission and brokenness. He draws from scripture and numerous stories from his global friendships to describe how the simple, genuine spirituality cultivated by these practices is accessible to everybody.

From the Publisher

Chris Heuertz believes that any true path to spiritual sight ought to be simple.

While he’s not a contemplative and hardly a mystic, Chris has found, in the Bible and in his work with impoverished people, evidence of a simple spirituality.

This way of humility, community, simplicity, submission and brokenness will help you see – no matter how dark things get.

Editorial Reviews

Chris Heuertz’s ability to weave real-life stories with scriptural and theological reflection makes this a very engaging and refreshing book. At a time when the gap between the poor and rich continues to grow, Chris reminds us that what the gospel commands us to do is not so much to do things for the poor, but to become friends, indeed sit at the same table, with the poor. What makes such a duty possible, even delightful, are such gifts as humility, community, simplicity, submission and brokenness—simple spirituality, he calls it!” – Emmanuel Katongole, Associate Research Professor of Theology and World Christianity, and co-director of the Center for Reconciliation, Duke Divinity School

“Chris Heuertz’s book Simple Spirituality brings together three critical transforming themes— simplicity, spirituality and a broken world—and captures the profoundness of them through very simple real-life narratives. The book not only meets a critical need in the mission world but raises critical questions for those working among the poor and the oppressed to grapple with. Chris and his wife, Phileena, have been a blessing—people of passion and simplicity. I am sure readers would be blessed.” – Jayakumar Christian, National Director, World Vision India

“For those of us in the affluent West, spirituality has become muddled by materialism and complicated by our frenetic pace of life. Chris Heuertz helps to unwind the suffocating insulation that cocoons us and stunts our spiritual growth. From his amazing array of experiences among the poor, Chris has been educated in the seminary of the slums. In this deep but accessible work, he draws us alongside the prostitutes, the dying, the disabled and the beggars to help us learn what he has learned—that sitting so close to the heart of God, the poor have the proximity and perspective to teach us the art of simple spirituality.” – Scott A. Bessenecker, director, InterVarsity Global Projects

“Heuertz has written a thoughtful, compelling invitation to think, trust, and act more deeply in faith. He is aware of the enormous challenges we face and of the thickness of anxiety that can undermine faith. In the midst of that, he keeps his head clear, his heart focused, and his words accessible. This book will be a source of strength and encouragement among those who are serious about ‘following’.” – Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary

“There’s no doubt about it: Chris Heuertz has found Jesus among the poorest of the poor—a Jesus who calls us to humility, community, simplicity, submission and brokenness. Throughout Simple Spirituality, as he shares his experiences from around the globe, he challenges and inspires us all to seek Jesus and follow him with renewed passion and integrity. Read it and be transformed.” – Stephen A. Seamands, professor of Christian doctrine, Asbury Theological Seminary

“This is a challenging and appealing book. It reveals the part of love to Jesus and of Jesus—presence to the poor, the broken and the vulnerable…” – Jean Vanier, founder of the communities of L’Arche

About the Author

Christopher L. Heuertz is the international director of Word Made Flesh, an organization that exists to serve Jesus among the poorest of the world’s poor. Teaching, writing, speaking and pastoring, Christopher’s responsibilities have taken him to nearly seventy countries. He has also lived in Israel, India and Peru.

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