What's the primary argument of your book?
My book, Spiritual Formation as the Hero's Journey in John of Ruusbroec (Routledge, 2022), argues that the theology of spiritual formation developed by John of Ruusbroec (1293—1381) displays the archetypal narrative structure of the hero's journey. That narrative pattern—seen in stories ranging from ancient myths and legends to Star Wars and the latest Marvel films—follows a would-be hero's journey from an initial call to adventure, through trials and the attainment of a boon or treasure, and ultimately back home to use the boon and lessons of the journey on behalf of others. I argue that that same journey is evident in John of Ruusbroec's description of the mystic way of Christian formation.
What led you to study this subject?
I was interested in learning more about mystical theology, especially as connected to the Wesleyan tradition (despite Wesley's reservations about mysticism) and its teaching on sanctification and Christian perfection. I found my way to Ruusbroec and was intrigued by his idea of perfection in love—resting in the inward embrace of the divine Unity while simultaneously moving outward with the Persons of the Trinity in active love. Not only did I want to study this, I wanted to live it! Additionally, Ruusbroec was an interesting subject because his teaching influenced Thomas à Kempis and The Imitation of Christ, which of course had a profound influence on Wesley and Methodism. So the pieces came together.
How does your book contribute to the field?
In Eugene Peterson's memoir, The Pastor, he mentions that many of the mystics are every bit as theological as the likes of Luther and Calvin, but people just don't know how to read them. So, I wanted to do that, with Ruusbroec's work as a case study. I was actually sitting on my patio, thinking about Ruusbroec's teaching, when it hit me: the hero's journey! I began going through it more carefully and it lined up, so that became my thesis. My aim was to contribute to Ruusbroec studies specifically, and spiritual formation generally, by showing that this mystical theology can be read and perhaps better understood in terms of narrative and the hero's journey. Thankfully the peer reviewers agreed!
What does it mean to you to be a scholar in the Wesleyan tradition?
My family have been Methodists for many generations, and I've been a Methodist pastor for over fifteen years. Of course, there are other great traditions, but the Wesleyan tradition is my home. There's a balance to it—the emphasis on holiness of heart and life, of inner transformation expressed outwardly in loving action—that the Wesleys articulated so powerfully. As a theology professor of mine used to say, John Wesley called himself a man of one book, but he read a lot of other books to help him understand that one! As a scholar, I appreciate those two sides of the coin—the simplicity of the gospel message that also welcomes rigorous study and exploration.
How do you see your scholarly work as part of your ministry?
As a pastor, I've employed my research in my church context. What I've learned from Ruusbroec informs my own teaching and preaching on Christian formation. I've even led the church on the hero's journey through the church year—from Advent's call to adventure, through Lent's trials and Easter's treasure, to Pentecost's boon of the Spirit leading us to serve others. Additionally, and perhaps most obviously, my ministry as a writer continues to be shaped and driven by my scholarly work.
What are some of the differences between writing a doctoral thesis and writing a scholarly monograph?
One of the main differences is audience. For a thesis, we're writing to develop and demonstrate expertise in a certain subject for readers who are scholars and experts in that field. For a monograph, while some readers might be scholars in the field, the audience will likely include students and others who do not have such expertise, who are reading simply to learn. Both deserve equal scholarly rigour, but the way it is presented necessitates differences, such as in the use of jargon, knowledge that is taken for granted, the way some arguments are developed, and so on.
Did you find new evidence or learn new information while rewriting?
I did. I even presented a couple of papers with arguments that I later came to disagree with! Thankfully that was early on, while I was still developing my thesis. In the later stages of rewriting, though, my supervisors (Geordan Hammond and David Bundy) did an excellent job of pushing me to continue researching and refining my argument. I would have to cut sentences and even whole paragraphs to make room for the new information. But I'm certain my project was much better as a result of that. I definitely became a believer in rewriting (and rewriting and rewriting...)!
What made NTC and Manchester ideal places to undertake your doctoral studies?
I cannot recommend NTC and Manchester highly enough! Primarily it was the sense of community and camaraderie that was such a blessing, presenting papers and working together and long talks over coffee and meals. The faculty and staff at NTC are so helpful and kind and generous with their time--both on campus and online. Throw in the special events and conferences, access to the University of Manchester resources, and the amazing setting and excursions, and it's a recipe for a nearly perfect doctoral experience.
What are some other projects in progress or ones you're looking forward to post-publication?
I'm just finishing a book based on my research but written for a more general readership. It presents the key aspects of Ruusbroec's (and others') teaching on the path to divine union and life with God, but I've had fun including more references to films and stories and organising it in a way that makes the research very accessible and practicable. Beyond that, I want to do more work on Trinitarian theology and theological anthropology, as well as highlighting the work of other figures from what I call 'proto-Methodism', those forgotten or unrecognised streams that flow into the pool of the Wesleyan tradition.
What advice do you have for recent doctoral graduates who want to publish their theses?
Find the right publisher. Look for publishers that might have a series in which your work would be a good fit. Maybe get a few publishers in mind—great, good, and good enough. Then, be patient but persistent. I've had editors who are prompt and sharp, and others with the same publisher who I've had to prod to keep things going. The process can take a long time, but it is so satisfying when things start coming together. You can do it!