Beloved Dust
Robert Hughes
This book takes a realistic and contemporary view of human being as entirely physical (dust) and immersed in three great tides of the ‘Holy Spirit’, the traditional threefold rhythm of conversion, transfiguration, and glory.
What is unique about Robert Hughes’ approach is the effort to root spiritual theology in the doctrine of the Spirit. This is an outgrowth of the renewed interest in the Trinity among both Catholics (Karl Rahner) and Protestants (Robert Jenson). Also striking is Hughes’ emphasis on “ordinary life”-marriage, parenting, etc. As a married Episcopal priest/theologian he brings a distinctly “Protestant” perspective to a traditionally “Catholic” enterprise for so long the preserve of celibate priests. This is an entirely new presentation of traditional teaching in the light of contemporary knowledge and practice.