Have you ever wondered what the difference between the Franciscans and Jesuits is? Have you been curious about how a monk's life differs from a missionary's and about the origins of these traditions? This book explores how four distinct types of spirituality evolved in Christianity over the centuries as a response to various needs in different eras. These all became "schools" of spiritual formation. This book introduces monasticism, mendicancy, apostolic ministry, and missionary life as umbrella categories out of which many religious communities formed. It explores thirteen of these different communities, introducing you to the founders and the original fire that moved each of them to create something new. This book provides historical background and explores the rich legacy of the founders of each of these communities. It vibrantly shows how the story of the church as a whole has been enriched and blessed by these feisty, controversial, and saintly sages whose radical choice to follow the Spirit led them into new terrain and resulted in the emergence of a diversity of forms of spiritual lifestyles. From within this treasure house of Christian riches, we can draw support and inspiration to contribute our own stories and pass on this legacy to those who come after.
