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The Call to Discernment in Troubled Times: New Perspectives on the Transformative Wisdom of Ignatius of Loyola

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A NEW LOOK AT THE EXERCISES, DESTINED TO BECOME A CLASSIC
The wisdom of St. Ignatius spoken of in the title is, of course, the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and this book is Dean Brackley's interpretation of them. Jesuits have been writing this kind of book for centuries. Many are pious, run-of-the-mill productions. A few are exceptional; and I believe this is one of them. The "Foreword for Skeptics" alone is worth the price of the book. Ellen Calmus, a friend of Brackley and the copyeditor of the book, was not what you would call a believer and took the job with no real interest in religion. But the text chipped away at her unbelief, and one Christmas eve, when having nothing in particular to celebrate she was working on the copy, the light dawned and her life changed. A year later she was baptized by the author. This will probably not be the average reaction to the book, but it is worth reading. The author is a man of intelligence, learning and insight steeped in Ignatian spirituality and he speaks from a depth far beyond mere words with a new and fresh voice in a way that might be heard by the post-modern seeker. As Professor of Theology and Ethics at the University of Central America since 1990 and a successor of the Jesuits martyred there the previous year, he might be expected to stress the social justice dimension of the Exercises. And he does, but in so gentle a fashion that he opens up possibilities without imposing guilt trips on the reader. Brackley is faithful to the teaching of Ignatius, but offers even those familiar with the Exercises new insights and perspectives. The book will be particularly useful for those giving or making or studying the Spiritual Exercises.

Some months ago I met the author at a conference. Two months ago I read this book while on an Ignatian 30-day retreat. It was excellent spiritual reading and is exactly where I am at in my life now: trying to discern how I might be part of the struggle against the excesses of global injustice. Brackley takes the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius Loyola and helps us see how in the process of the Exercises we might move away from a me-directed spirituality [all too common in much spirituality] to a spirituality of solidarity and engagement. Its all very inspiring stuff...I am not normally one to enthuse over books of spirituality - all too often they vary from drippy piety mixed with no theology thru to sound ideas mixed with ponderous heavy-bottomed theology. Brackley is remarkable in that his theology is interesting, contemporary and combined in the right measure with his exposition of the Exercises and ideas for doing the Exercises. Excellent stuff! I wish the anti-globalization activists I know would read it - it would nourish their souls and inspire their activism!

This is the first time I have studied the wisdom of Ignatius, and I am enthralled! Dean Brackley does a fabluous job of relating these wise thoughts to today's world. He educates, challenges, and inspires his readers. I reccommend this book to everyone.

Susan Stabile, author of the blog "Creo in Dios!" (http://susanjoan.wordpress.com), writes to us: "Brackley begins from the premise that "responding to massive injustice according to each one's calling is the price of being human, and Christian, today." His book adapts the teachings of St. Ignatius and his Exercises to our modern world, with special attention to the social implications of Ignatius' insights, providing reflections that will aid those seeking to find their place in responding to the suffering of the world. Although even those trained in Ignatian spirituality will find valuable insights in the book it is equally accessible to those without a background in Ignatius' Spiritual Exercises."

This is a great book to be read by christians and not christians living in the actuarial world, full of stress, worries and deceives, which teach us how to turn back our eyes, heart and soul towards God, with him in our hearts and life, and facing the world with hope, following the steps dictated by Saint Ignatius of Loyola in his book of spiritual exercises.

An insightful, comprehensive, and essential up-dating of the Ignatian call to discernment, especially in today's world. Highly recommended!

This book is a treasure to any spiritual director, especially if you use or have been trained in the use of The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola. The author is clear and practical in using each rule and backs up in detail his descriptions with real life experiences. The distinctions between consolation and desolation are most useful. I highly recommend this book for personal enrichment.

Thank you for everything P. Dean, especially for also personally taking the effort of translating this book to the Spanish language.