Spirituality is a motion, a responsive movement of heart, mind, and spirit to the life of God moving within us. Starting from his Roman Catholic roots but working ecumenically, Bob Hurd explores this notion of spirituality in two parts. Part 1 places it in the theological framework of Creation-Grace-Incarnation, concluding that its specific form is participation in Christ’s self-emptying love of God, humankind, and creation. Part 2 investigates this kenotic spirituality liturgically, exploring how it comes to expression in the ritual stages of Gathering, Word, Eucharistic Prayer, Communion, and Sending. Comparing and contrasting each stage with corresponding patterns in various Protestant traditions, Hurd lays out the possibility of a spirituality common to Christians of various confessions.
Well known for his liturgical music, Bob Hurd has also served as a teacher and liturgist in various pastoral and academic settings. He currently teaches in Seattle University’s Graduate Program in Theology and Ministry. His widely used liturgical music, published by Oregon Catholic Press, is featured in numerous hymnals in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Australia. His articles have appeared in journals and books, including Worship, Catechumenate, Pastoral Music, The New Dictionary of Catholic Spirituality, and The Heart of Our Music.