Spiritual Direction

Here at last is a book which deals seriously and comprehensively with the rapidly growing field of spiritual direction. Spiritual Direction offers practical help to those clergy and lay persons who are responsible for the spiritual lives of other people. Spiritual Direction encourages spiritual directors to take their responsibilities seriously and professionally, moving spiritual direction away from "cozy little chats" to the "cold hard slab" of the exanining table. Equipped with certain skills - a keen knowledge of human psychology and an awareness of biblical and contemplative traditions - the spiritual director objectively examines the client, then offers concrete guidance for the sprital life of the client. As a prominent figure in pastoral theology and Anglican spirituality for three decades, Martin Thorton is uniquely qualified to ofer us insights into spiritual direction. He restores credibility and profesionality to spiritual direction which is at once hard, analytical and supportive. Thorton writes with wit, common sense, and an absense of sentimentality on a topic which calls for serious attention. Spirital Direction is important reading for the increasing numbers of lay people involved in spiritual direction, as well as for clergy and pastoral counselors. --- from book's back cover