Spiritual Passages: The Psychology of Spiritual Development "for those who seek" [Paperback]

Benedict J. Groeschel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1984

From renowned EWTN host and author Benedict Groeschel, this is a profound discussion of the stages of spiritual growth. Of special note is the way Groeschel identifies four distinct approaches to God (as Beauty, Truth, the Good, and the One) and shows how each leads to a different kind of spiritual path or pilgrimage.

Product Details

• Paperback: 210 pages
• Publisher: The Crossroad Publishing Company; Unabridged Version edition (December 1, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824506286
• ISBN-13: 978-0824506285
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 0.7 x 6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #265,118 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDING this book!, July 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Spiritual Passages: The Psychology of Spiritual Development "for those who seek" (Paperback)

Fr. Benedict is one of the most brilliant teachers i've ever heard. He speaks at Catholic conferences and on his own cable show in the East Coast (USA). His pellucid explanations, on diverse topics (relevant to the spiritual life of everyone), have no rival in the English language. This book outlines the different stages of spiritual growth. Since the spirit, (in contrast to the soul) is discussed, it's relevant to people of any religious background, but, most especially understandable to Christians. His discussions are rich and stay closely focused on his topic.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ancient but Postmodern Spiritual Development, February 4, 2007

By 

Greg Gorsuch "Peridoc" (Seattle) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Spiritual Passages: The Psychology of Spiritual Development "for those who seek" (Paperback)

In a world struggling with postmodern issues of diversity and truth Groeschel, using the ancient model of Catholic spiritual pilgrimage, offers a meaningful perspective into our spiritual development. Not only is our spirituality inextricably tied to every other aspect of life and development, our unique history and experience condition the way we perceive God. Though not exclusive, Groeschel suggests four primary orientations to God: as One (unity), the Good, Truth or Beauty. Unlike so many books on spiritual development that cryptically elevate one spiritual orientation above another, Groeschel expands our psychological awareness of the spiritual pilgrimage by helping us to understand that each of us possess a primary orientation to God and Christ that may indeed be different but not necessarily superior or less developed than others.

35 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Excellent ideas, but somewhat lacking in development, November 4, 2000

By 

Elizabeth G. Melillo "gloriana" - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Spiritual Passages: The Psychology of Spiritual Development "for those who seek" (Paperback)

Father Groeschel's presentation of ideas is sound and interesting, and the illustrations using incidents in the lives of people he has known a good approach. However, he tends to present some very intriguing concepts, then insufficiently develop them with clear explanations. For example, he refers to the Good Thief's conversation with Christ on the Cross as manipulative, but assumes the reader (who is unlikely to be a psychologist) will grasp why. The book is an excellent starting point, theologically solid and in accord with classic spirituality, but as a reader I found myself begging for more development and ideas about integration of the principles into one's own prayer life.