The Art of Spiritual Direction: Giving and Receiving Spiritual Guidance

A good intro, but a little scattered. Sometimes the author is focused on the topic at hand, but other times he's delving into details about Methodism or hymnology that are not terribly relevant. However, Jones is clearly good at direction and has a lot of useful advice for both directors and directees (but mostly directors). I especially liked his comment that communities that shy away from doing serious direction for fear of secular concerns like lawsuits need a "theology of risk" to get them back to doing what the church is called to do! (Pace "Frightening!", Jones is actually rather clear about what he thinks secular counseling can achieve and what it cannot. But sometimes there is no clear line between clinical needs and spiritual ones.)

The above entry entitled "frightening" is as hollow and unsubstantiatied as it is vague. I have never written a review before. But I fear that the above review may actually be believed or taken by someone as sufficient cause not to purchase this book. And what a shame that would be! Jones' book is a well-spring: of wisdom, depth, insight, literary brilliance, ecumenical spirit, practical suggestions, and more. I found it illuminating, refreshing, paradoxical, and altogether Spiritual-- and I am not a professional spritual director. In any event, I highly recommend it.