Spiritual Director, Spiritual Companion: Guide to Tending the Soul [Paperback]

Tilden Edwards (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2001

Updates his classic, Spiritual Friend

Spiritual direction pioneer Tilden Edwards here shares the wealth of twenty years of experience he's gained since his classic book, Spiritual Friend. The fresh and insightful result covers both spiritual and practical sides of the art, from the nature of the soul to recommendations on payment rates. Both directors and directees benefit from this wholistic look that considers all of the person and not just his or her prayer life. At the book's heart, though, is spiritual direction at its best. Edwards examines new methods to nurture the soul, ways to recognize a true spiritual experience, and suggestions for being truly present during the process. Practical guidelines are also given for getting started with new directees, running group spiritual direction, evaluating sessions, and setting up a spiritual director peer group. In addition, Edwards gives a brief history of this special ministry and a view of its future. He also considers spiritual companionship in other religious traditions and their relation to a Christian framework. This new title offers enormous insight and support for both spiritual directors and directees, anyone considering entering spiritual direction, and all those ministers--from pastors to Christian counselors--who so often unexpectedly find themselves in the role of spiritual director.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A scholarly and lucid text delving into practice and the fruits of good practice today among Christian pastoral ministers. -- Crux

I recommend it for your heartfelt consideration. -- Presence

This book blends well the theoretical and practical aspects of spiritual direction. -- The Army Chaplaincy

This is a substantive and edifying overview of the art of spiritual direction. -- Values and Visions Reviews Service

This is a truly valuable book for anyone on the journey of spiritual direction. -- Spiritual Book News

About the Author

Episcopalian priest Tilden Edwards is a well-known pioneer in the ministry of spiritual formation and spiritual direction. He is founder and senior fellow of the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in Bethesda, Maryland. He is also well known for his many books, including Paulist Press's Spiritual Friend and Living Simply though the Day.

Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press (March 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080914011X
• ISBN-13: 978-0809140114
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #84,695 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Deceptively, mysteriously simple, December 16, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Spiritual Director, Spiritual Companion: Guide to Tending the Soul (Paperback)

As someone who trains others in spiritual direction, I love this book. I consider it to be a great 'beginning book' by a master! It is deceptively simple to read, but has great depth. The wisdom of a master resonates throughout. The chapter "How Do We Know?The Nature of Spiritual Experience" provides a model, that is not limited to a particular religious tradition, for how to conceptualize the relationship between spiritual experience and theology. This is invaluable for those interested in building bridges between traditions and providing inter-faith spiritual direction. For beginners, this book is a jewel! And even those who are experienced can always learn something from a master!

23 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars disappointing remake, August 18, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Spiritual Director, Spiritual Companion: Guide to Tending the Soul (Paperback)

What a disappointing new release by this author. The book seems to be a random assortment of ideas and past-published material that fails to hold together with a cohesive focus. As a fellow spiritual director, I had expected a presentation of contemplative spiritual direction that would plumb the depths of our ministry. The book fails to communicate the depth and grace found in 'soul work' and would inspire few who would depend on this work as a solid presentation of the topic. Lots of breadth with little of the expected depth from a man who has made this work his life.

5 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Boring, June 3, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Spiritual Director, Spiritual Companion: Guide to Tending the Soul (Paperback)

It amazes me that someone could write such a boring book on a fantastic topic, a person's unique relationship with God. So much verbage!