Spiritual Direction: Beyond the Beginnings [Paperback]

Janet K. Ruffing (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2000

The modern resurgence of interest in spiritual direction comes from every occupation and lifestyle, not just those in the religious life. But while some books cover the basic topic, almost none consider the subject of advanced direction. What are the special issues of someone who's been offering spiritual direction for more than five years? And of someone who's been receiving spiritual direction for more than five years? Written by a well-known practitioner, researcher and theoretician of the art, this clear and insightful book fills the gap by providing concrete help for both veteran directors and veteran directees. The book offers a theological basis for the process of direction then moves onto such advanced themes as resistance, desire in prayer, transference and counter-transference, love mysticism and mutuality with God. It also focuses on the special concerns of women in direction. Each chapter includes a section on theory, some illustrative case material, verbatims, and suggested discussion questions. Spiritual Direction: Beyond the Beginnings is for a wide ecumenical audience of both directors and directees. It's of particular interest to women clergy, retreat directors, pastors, and all religious and clergy who find themselves spiritual directors "by default."

Editorial Reviews

Review

A good book for the experienced director. Very good on gender issues and godlikeness. -- The Living Church

A significant contribution to the theory and practice of spiritual direction. -- Spiritus

A wonderful new look at an ancient practice. -- Spiritual Book News

Ruffing has written a book that will be of assistance to anyone who is seriously attentive to their spiritual journey. -- The Catholic Journalist

This slim volume ought to be read by anyone seriously engaged in the ministry of spiritual direction. -- Theological Studies

About the Author

Janet K. Ruffing, RSM, chairs the concentration in spirituality and spiritual direction in the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education at Fordham. She has taught internationally on the subject and also frequently addresses communities of religious women and leaders in religious life. She is the author of Paulist Press's. Uncovering Stories of Faith: Spiritual Direction and Narrative.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press (June 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809139588
• ISBN-13: 978-0809139583
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #158,884 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Supplemental, January 19, 2006

By 

R. Kirkham "jrkirkham" (Rushville, Illinois USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Spiritual Direction: Beyond the Beginnings (Paperback)

PROS: This book examines the art of spiritual direction from a clinical perspective. While spiritual direction is not the same thing as counseling, there are certain similarities. This book will help to refine the director's skills in these areas. The chapters of this book build upon one another, but still retain enough individual distinctives to stand alone. Therefore the reader may skim through the book and choose the chapter most relevant at the time for slower, deeper study. It is this feature that allows the book to become a useful reference work and earns it a place on the library shelves of Spiritual Directors.

CONS: The book was written by a woman, and seems to be mostly about women. Most of the illustrations and discussions of sessions address spiritual direction from a feminine perspective. This limits the usefulness just a little bit. Many seriously committed Christian men these days make use of spiritual direction. Also, the author's description of a mature spiritual relationship tends to be wrapped around emotional mystical experiences. This also limits the usefulness of the book since everyone in need of spiritual direction is not a mystic. Also, many mystics have grown past the point of equating mystical experiences with closeness to God. For many mystics, these experiences are secondary and a transformed life is primary. The book does not address character transformation with as much depth as it could.

MY RECOMMENDATION: This is not the best introductory book to spiritual direction one might come across, nor is it the best advanced book on the subject. But it does have its place. It is a useful reference book that the Spiritual Director may want to come back to again and again. That is why I labeled it "supplemental."