Exploring Spiritual Direction

Rating:
Summary: Finding that "Terrific Thing"
Review: This is not so much a book about spiritual direction as it is a book of spiritual direction. With few exceptions the author avoids discussing the how's of this important ministry of companionship, guidance and direction (Indeed he warns of the dangers of technique in this ministry which is first and above all a charism, a gift, and an art). Jones is more concerned to explore what direction is, and why this long-standing tradition of the Christian community it is so important for us today: (In the midst of our manic-depressive culture which offers a "supermarket" of quick fixes for our inner longings, we need loving companions to point us in the direction of that which is truly beautiful and good, that is, in the direction of Christ who loves us). But not even analysis and explanation are his primary goals. Along the way, Jones, the "expert" in spiritual direction, becomes more than this - becomes instead a companion and guide to the reader, engaging the reader in such a way as to give a taste of what direction can be like. He does this most effectively by asking a series of probing questions (on the giftedness of life, the necessity of companionship, and the risks of change), and by affirming over and over again that "I am a person loved by Christ," and deep within me lies some "terrific thing." To join another in discovering and exploring the meaning of these realities is what it means to be a spiritual director.