Spirituality and the Awakening Self: The Sacred Journey of Transformation [Paperback]

David G. Benner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2012

Being human is a lifelong journey of becoming. This journey defines our humanity, for it is a journey toward our source and our fulfillment, described in Christian theology as union with God. If we remain open to God as our sense of self awakens, we experience a deeper consciousness of being in him. The self that emerges during this process is larger, more enlightened, and whole.

David Benner, who has spent thirty-five years integrating psychology and spirituality, presents psychological insights in a readable fashion to offer readers a deeper understanding of the self and its spiritual development. Drawing on a broad range of Christian traditions, Benner shows that the transformation of self is foundational to Christian spirituality.

This book will appeal to readers interested in a psychologically grounded, fresh exploration of Christian spirituality; professionals engaged in pastoral care, counseling, and spiritual direction; and students in ministry development and spiritual formation courses. Questions and answers for individual or group use are included at the end of each chapter.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"Offers deep insight about the sacred journey of transformation"

"David Benner offers deep insight about the sacred journey of transformation of the unfolding self, emphasizing learning from the Christian mystics and the essential nature of contemplative stillness. There are also helpful appendixes on dreamwork, meditation, prayer, and awakening."
--Siang-Yang Tan, professor of psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary; author of Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective

"Once again David Benner has seamlessly woven together his gifts and skills as psychotherapist and spiritual guide. As one of the wise voices of our time, his words deserve to be kept and savored."
--Margaret Guenther, professor emerita of ascetical theology and former director of the Center for Christian Spirituality, General Theological Seminary

"Benner's personal quest for the deepest awareness and truth of human life as it is lived in relation to the transcendent feeds the authenticity and insights of this book. I could not recommend it more highly as a framework for understanding the transformative levels of our journey into the way, the truth, and the life."
--Tilden Edwards, founder and senior fellow, Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation

"Benner offers us a highly readable book--grounded in historic Christology and developmental psychology--in which he develops a psycho-theology of growth. This is the best of Benner's books!"
--J. Harold Ellens, author of numerous books, including The Healing Power of Spirituality and Christian Perspectives on Human Development

"David Benner is a trusted companion who helps us navigate the complex possibilities of personal awakening, of becoming more than we are, of movement beyond changed behaviors into changed being. This book guides us into life as truer persons and communities immersed in God."
--John Kiemele, founder and executive director, Selah Center, Woodway, Washington

About the Author

David G. Benner (PhD, York University; postdoctoral studies, Chicago Institute of Psychoanalysis) is an internationally known depth psychologist, author, spiritual guide, and personal transformation coach. He currently serves as Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Spirituality at the Psychological Studies Institute, Richmont Graduate University. He has authored or edited more than twenty books, including Soulful Spirituality and Strategic Pastoral Counseling. Benner lectures widely around the world and has held numerous clinical and academic appointments. Visit his website at www.drdavidgbenner.ca.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Brazos Press (February 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158743296X
• ISBN-13: 978-1587432965
• Product Dimensions: 0.7 x 5.4 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #93,810 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. David G. Benner is an internationally known depth psychologist, author, lecturer and cartographer of the human spirit and soul. The underlying passion of his life has been the understanding and pursuit of transformation - not merely healing or even growth, but the unfolding of the self associated with a journey of awakening. This has been the focus of his more than three decades of work in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and his more recent work as a transformational architect and coach. He can be found online through his website at http://www.drdavidgbenner.ca/ or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DrDavidGBenner or Twitter @drdavidgbenner.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant and much-needed February 5, 2012

By M. Johnson

Format:Kindle Edition

I'm drawn to contemplative spiritual practices because of the fruit I see in the lives of the contemplatives I know. But, when I've asked questions of contemplative friends, their answers haven't been particularly satisfying. They talk about the early church - the desert fathers and mothers - and their personal experience of contemplative prayer. But, they haven't been able to ground their practices in Scripture, at least not to my conservative, evangelical satisfaction.

In this brilliant book, David Benner does exactly that. Drawing on Scripture, theology, philosophy, and psychology, Dr. Benner explains what it means to be "in Christ," as well as the role of contemplative spirituality in a Christian's spiritual formation. With depth and clarity of thought, he describes the processes of spiritual formation and the place of the body, mind, soul, and spirit in our transformation. Most importantly, he gives the reader a rich and beautiful understanding of the many Scripture passages that reference our living and moving and existing in God.

Not everything David Benner says in this book is consistent with my beliefs, but Spirituality and the Awakening Self is nonetheless a gift from God for which I'm very grateful. I highly recommend it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great March 12, 2013

By Art Guina

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

this is probably David Benner's best work as it seems to be the synthesizing of all his works so far on transformation.

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a gift March 11, 2013

By Thom K. Walters

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I savored every aspect of this book. It was not just a read; it was my morning spiritual meditation. David’s thoughtful and insightful ability to weave our psychology and spirituality—though not separate—is rich, evocative and profoundly beneficial for a serious seeker of a soulful life.