The Art of Spiritual Direction: Giving and Receiving Spiritual Guidance

by W. Paul Jones

Book Overview

We all need companions and guides on our spiritual journey. W. Paul Jones believes that spiritual direction is essential for every Christian. "Along each person's pilgrimage are those who can make one's journey accountable and whose hospitality makes it possible," Jones says.

In The Art of Spiritual Direction, you'll discover the answers to these questions and more:

What is spiritual direction?What is the difference between spiritual...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0835809838
• ISBN13: 9780835809832
• Release Date: August 2002
• Publisher: Upper Room Books
• Length: 310 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.2" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Good intro that occasionally loses focus

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.)

A Rejoinder to Frightening!

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.