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The Puritans were well-known for their vibrant spirituality, often expressed through rich devotional language.  Emerging from the Protestant Reformation with strong Calvinistic roots, they lived in the sixteenth- and seventeenth-century England and New England.

will discuss how one of their primary metaphors for the Christian life was “walking with God.”  Their spiritual writings encouraged believers to pursue intimacy with God through the cultivation of a wide range of spiritual disciplines.  Consistent with their historical context, the Puritans saw no divide between theology and spirituality; rather, they integrated the desire for a rich experiential communion with God. Reflective of that principle.  Dr. Schwanda will offer participants an opportunity to experience one of the Puritans’ spiritual practices.

Tom Schwanda (PhD, DMin) is an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America (RCA) who served three congregations for eighteen years before becoming a professor of Christian spirituality.  His academic career began in 1992 when he taught Christian Perspectives on Learning at Calvin.  He is currently Professor Emeritus of Christian Spirituality at Wheaton College and Adjunct Professor Emeritus of Christian Spirituality at Fuller Seminary, where he taught in both the English and Korean Doctor of Ministry programs.  Dr. Schwanda has authored many books, book chapters, and essays on Puritan and early evangelical spirituality and is a member of the Royal Historical Society of England.   

Sponsored by the Department of Religion