TO EMPOWER AS JESUS DID: Acquiring Spiritual Power Through Apprenticeship (1984)

Within religious circles, the process of spiritual empowerment has been obscured by Cinderella notions of transformation.  As such, it becomes impossible to take notice of the marvelous human dynamics that undergird such empowerment.  Using the thought of Michael Polanyi, Milavec defends the thesis that religious empowerment can be better understood as the transformative activity that transpires between a master and his/her disciples. Milavec illustrates this thesis through an exploration of how Jesus trained his own disciples to perform the feats that he himself exhibited.  He then goes on to explore how the charismatic speaking in tongues and the training of priests makes use of the apprenticeship process analyzed by Polanyi.  The role of Scripture, prayer, and sacred rituals is reexamined so as to reveal how they, when used correctly, serve to empower (or, alternately, to disempower when they are used incorrectly).". . . a stimulating portrayal of the dynamics of the Christian religion." - Horizons"This is a fascinating and substantial design to break new ground in the understanding of Christian formation and education." - Theological Studies"Judged in its totality, the volume deserves serious attention in the internal study of Christology within the church as well as in the Christian-Jewish dialogue." - Journal of Ecumenical Studies". . . the pages of his book reveal both theological brilliance and courage." - Convivium