Spiritual Passages: The Psychology of Spiritual Development "for Those Who Seek"

Rating:
Summary: Excellent ideas, but somewhat lacking in development
Review: Father Groeschel's presentation of ideas is sound and interesting, and the illustrations using incidents in the lives of people he has known a good approach. However, he tends to present some very intriguing concepts, then insufficiently develop them with clear explanations. For example, he refers to the Good Thief's conversation with Christ on the Cross as manipulative, but assumes the reader (who is unlikely to be a psychologist) will grasp why. The book is an excellent starting point, theologically solid and in accord with classic spirituality, but as a reader I found myself begging for more development and ideas about integration of the principles into one's own prayer life.

Rating:
Summary: VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDING this book!
Review: Fr. Benedict is one of the most brilliant teachers i've ever heard. He speaks at Catholic conferences and on his own cable show in the East Coast (USA). His pellucid explanations, on diverse topics (relevant to the spiritual life of everyone), have no rival in the English language. This book outlines the different stages of spiritual growth. Since the spirit, (in contrast to the soul) is discussed, it's relevant to people of any religious background, but, most especially understandable to Christians. His discussions are rich and stay closely focused on his topic.