Customer Reviews

The Art of Christian Listening

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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If someone were to ask me to borrow my copy of this book, I would have to say no because so many of the margins became spaces for my note taking and journaling. The author deals primarily with spiritual direction, that is, the preparation, pitfalls, practical situations and approaches to being a caring, helpful presence to those who would share their stories. The author deals with profound subject matter in very gentle, practical and simple ways. The chapters on sacramentality, prayer and discernment were profoundly moving in their simple and gentle exposition as well as being practical and applicable to my own life. The reader is challenged with questions such as, "Where do I need to let God work in my life and what are those areas I will not let God see?" Felt that this was an excellent book in helping me to discern and articulate my own journey. Each chapter ends with questions for reflection which would make this an excellent book for use in small groups for spiritual formation and growth.

Books about ministry seem to come and go. Titles will appear that deal with issues of modern life, will have a novel and often interesting approach, but quickly grow old. This is not due to the content. It is usually sound, but techniques and styles change over time and certain practices can become outdated. One book about ministry that never seems to age and if anything, develops a new following year after year is Thomas Hart's THE ART OF CHRISTIAN LISTENING.

For Hart, the key word in the title is listening. His book does not offer advice on how to counsel people, what advice to give, or how to solve a person's problems. He also does not provide psychological solutions to problems with a Christian slant though the work is psychologically credible and spiritually sound. Rather, he trains and challenges the reader to listen to where people are coming from as Jesus did, providing a consoling and caring experience where true growth can develop.

The book is easy to use. Hart writes in a manner that will help the person who is just beginning ministry and challenge those who have been doing spiritual direction or counseling for some time. He provides discussion questions at the end of each chapter that encourages both reflection and discussion which makes it the perfect book to be used in a group setting. It's also a book that can be read over and over again and the reader can gain fresh insights.

I first read the book when it was somewhat new and was "all the rage." I was in college and people were reading it and discussing it. Priests and pastoral ministers were singing its praises. Teachers were using it to better listen to colleagues and students. We all had the same experiences from reading it. We were enthused about truly listening and being present to people as we believed Christ would be, we knew our limitations, and saw ways we could either help or impede others. This small volume encouraged and excited people to do the work of Jesus in a caring and compassionate manner. This alone makes it a valuable resource and since it's still popular twenty five years later, timeless as well.

As a longtime climical psychologist also involved in spiritual direction, I must say that this is simply the best of its kind. I use the word simply in a laudatory way because the book is not only solidly based and deeply sensitive to the realities involved. It is also written simply.

The book provides a sound theological grounding in Spiritual development and counselling. It is practical, helpful and memorable. It is a book well worth reading.

Over the past few years I have read a number of books on the topic of spiritual direction and "Christian listening." The Art of Christian Listening was not on my "to read" list when it found me; it was electronically recommended to me through other books I had purchased from Amazon. I took a chance and purchased it which turned out to be a very good gamble. I think this little book ranks as one of the very best I have ever read on the discipline (art) and ministry of spiritual listening and direction.

Hart describes the Christian listener as a helper and uses the first half of the book to describe the gentle, subservient, and very holy relationship the helper occupies in the ministry of "listening" to the soul of fellow sojourners. I dearly loved the beautifully uncomplicated descriptions of each facet of listening direction the helper must be attuned to. These details are covered in the first six chapters, highlighting the role of the spiritual director (aka Christian listener aka helper) as a sacrament described in spiritual orientation, counseling, spiritual formation, and prayer. This is definitely not a formulaic "how-to-by-following-these-steps" book; however, there are some excellent experiential wisdom and helpful pointers shared by Hart that can be very beneficial for directors and listeners in helping them to avoid "pitfalls."

Now, as much as enjoyed this book, there were some things I didn't care for. Hart references Carl Jung from beginning to end (Jung is known as the father of contemporary psychology). I don't have a strict aversion to the use of psychology in counseling, but some of the methods employed are suspect (in my opinion). Secondly, I am opposed to a couple of doctrinal positions that Hart promotes. He seems to follow the belief of Process Theology. He also makes reference to (although he doesn't mention it by name) Open Theism. Personally, I find these doctrinal beliefs about the character and nature of God to be in contradiction to Scripture. Consequently, I did not enjoy chapters seven and eight nearly as much as I did the rest of the book. These chapters, incidentally, involve making decisions and knowing the will of God for our lives. No matter... I still enjoyed the book and find it sitting at the top of most of the books I have read on spiritual direction. The good is that good.

Regardless of the things I find disagreement with, I think The Art of Christian Listening is a special book. It is as valuable for the beginning helper as it is for the most seasoned of Christian listeners. The book is not loaded with lofty words or over-spiritualized conversation. It is full of wisdom and practical insight wrapped in humility and a genuine desire for the people of God to grow in His grace. Most Highly Recommended.

I am a Chaplain and found this book to be interesting and helpful in enhancing my active listening skills and gaining knowledge in spirituality. I would fully recommend this book!

This is an excellent book for anyone who ministers as a friend, a volunteer or in an official capacity. It helps one to appreciate the gift that one is by being a listening presence to another in everyday situations. This provides a good foundation for further training in active listening skills and pastoral communications.

This book is a helpful outline of steps to take in being a spiritual companion.

Hart hits on so many important points of being a helper. Listening is something we c
all should and can do.

This book I found to be an awesome book for it lays out numerous suggestions on how to prepare oneself for the ministry of director, counselor, even just as a friend helping another, seeking help in christian growth, relationshiops, or emotions. It show that one doesn't have to be a professional counselor to be able to assist another.
I found that it also helps one (the reader) to grow as well by taking a look inward, interiorly into the heart.
Thanks Thomas N. Hart