The Art of Spiritual Direction

Jos Moons SJ

ISBN 10: 1788121198 / ISBN 13: 9781788121194

Published by Messenger Publications, IE, 2020

This is a concrete, practical book about spiritual accompaniment. While there may be no shortage of books on this matter, most of these books remain somewhat abstract in the way they highlight the beauty of this ministry and point out its pitfalls. This book instead resembles a toolbox with a user's manual. In six chapters, the author presents the following tools: 'there is no rush', 'listening by following', 'searching for the soul', 'going deeper', 'evaluating', and 'accompanying towards spiritual maturity'. By means of examples and case studies, he demonstrates how these tools may be used to good effect. Two introductory chapters discuss the choice for a practice-oriented book and the core values of an Ignatian approach to spiritual accompaniment. A final chapter specifically focuses on vocational discernment. New spiritual directors can learn from this book the tricks of the trade and experienced directors can be encouraged to reflect upon their own practice. Although it is written from a Roman Catholic, Jesuit background, this book may be used in a wider variety of Christian contexts. Seller Inventory # LU-9781788121194

Synopsis:

This is a concrete, practical book about spiritual accompaniment. While there may be no shortage of books on this matter, most of these books remain somewhat abstract in the way they highlight the beauty of this ministry and point out its pitfalls. This book instead resembles a toolbox with a user's manual.

In six chapters, the author presents the following tools: 'there is no rush', 'listening by following', 'searching for the soul', 'going deeper', 'evaluating', and 'accompanying towards spiritual maturity'. By means of examples and case studies, he demonstrates how these tools may be used to good effect. Two introductory chapters discuss the choice for a practice-oriented book and the core values of an Ignatian approach to spiritual accompaniment. A final chapter specifically focuses on vocational discernment.

New spiritual directors can learn from this book the tricks of the trade and experienced directors can be encouraged to reflect upon their own practice. Although it is written from a Roman Catholic, Jesuit background, this book may be used in a wider variety of Christian contexts.

About the Author: Jos Moons (1980) is a Dutch Jesuit priest living and working in Leuven (Belgium). He has always combined pastoral and academic work. His first assignment was as a parish priest in the diocese of Rotterdam (The Netherlands). While preparing a doctorate in systematic theology, he also worked as a student chaplain in Utrecht (Tilburg University, The Netherlands). Currently he combines chaplaincy work for the University Parish and lecturing at the KU Leuven with a research position at Tilburg University. In addition, he supervises spiritual directors in formation.

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Art of Spiritual Direction
Publisher: Messenger Publications, IE
Publication Date: 2020
Binding: Paperback
Condition: New