What is Spirituality?
In one sense the term "spirituality" refers to something universal: the way each of us understands how the pieces of our lives are connected to the life of the world. "Spirituality" also has a more specific meaning: the practical and specific aspects of shaping a life of prayer or structuring worship - each of which can develop a greater awareness of the spiritual in human experience and can energize us for action in the world. Finally, "spirituality" has to do with how each specific religious tradition knits together experience into a meaningful whole through specific spiritual practices. Tewkesbury Abbey stands within an Anglo-Catholic spiritual tradition which if firmly rooted in an Anglican ethos which in turn has its roots in the teachings and practices of St. Benedict.
What makes Spirituality Christian?
Christian spirituality sees Jesus Christ as “fully human and fully divine”. In other words, Christian spirituality views the person of Jesus as the picture of what it means to live a fully human life-one that is passionate, self-giving, truth-telling and connected to others. In this picture of redeemed and restored humanity we discover true divinity, God’s love of us and for all God creation. Christian spirituality also views the Church as God’s own creation, Christ's body, the primary way in which Christ continues to be present and active in the world. Thus, for Christians, Church is essential. It is the place where we participate in the realm of God and are nourished both for our journey and for Christ's continuing work of reconciliation in the world.