In this interview, Bernard McGinn, a renowned expert on Christian mysticism, discusses the academic discipline of spirituality, its value in the contemporary world, and its role in Christian conversation. Key points from the discussion include: Defining the academic discipline of spirituality (0:42): McGinn defines it as a critical reflection on the lived experience of Christian faith, encompassing practice, prayer, and theological thought. He emphasizes its wide-ranging nature, touching upon many other fields of study. The value of studying spirituality (1:53): Spirituality is fundamental to Christian belief as it focuses on the action of the Spirit (Pneuma Spiritus), which is the source of living the Christian life. It involves not only intellectual study but also the engagement of the person studying it. The role of spirituality in contemporary Christian conversation (2:53): Spirituality has always been integral to Christian life, but its emergence as a distinct discipline provides specificity and clarity to aspects of Christianity that were previously less examined. Its importance has grown significantly in the last 50-60 years. McGinn's work on mysticism (3:52): McGinn views mysticism, which focuses on the direct experience of God, as a part of spirituality. He embarked on a multi-volume history of Christian mysticism, "The Presence of God," due to a lack of theological overviews of the tradition. His work, originally planned as three volumes, expanded to seven (nine, including splits) covering the period up to 1700, and he recently published a book on modern mystics of the 20th century. Spirituality studies at Oblate School of Theology (7:02): McGinn praises the Oblate School of Theology as a major center for spirituality studies in the United States, highlighting its strong faculty, committed students, and library resources. Encouragement for future study and outreach (8:41): McGinn encourages finding academic programs for studying spirituality and suggests that institutions develop programs to attract a broader population of believers. He gives examples of successful outreach programs in Belgium and the World Community for Christian Meditation, which have effectively used Zoom to reach a global audience. The future of spirituality (12:00): McGinn envisions a future with greater ecumenical outreach, not only among Christian denominations but also to other traditions. He emphasizes the concept of "global spirituality" and the importance of increasing sharing among traditions to foster a sense of being "one spiritual world." Why spirituality is encompassing? What is "Pneuma Spiritus"? What's the "quietest crisis"?