"It is possible for a Christian spirituality to be theistic — to have room for God in it — but only in a philosophical, conceptual sense," writes Dr. Gary Tyra.

In Introduction to Spirituality, he makes the case for an alternative approach: "a fully trinitarian understanding of God that is not only theistic but also theologically real." According to a theologically real spirituality, "it is possible for God's human image-bearers … to really know and experience their Creator in some real, phenomenal, life-story-shaping ways."

I'm talking to Dr. Tyra about the convictions, commitments, and customs of a theologically real Christian spirituality in this episode of the Influence Podcast. I'm George P. Wood, executive editor of Influence magazine and your host.

Gary Tyra is professor of biblical and practical theology at Vanguard University of Southern California. An ordained Assemblies of God minister, he has served as senior pastor of three churches, but now devotes his time to teaching, writing, and speaking. He is author of Introduction to Spirituality, published by Baker Academic.

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