Spiritual Direction and the Encounter with God (Revised Edition): A Theological Inquiry

by William A. Barry SJ

Overview

Is what we call "the encounter with God" merely a depth experience of the psyche or does it have a specific theological character? In this revised edition of his best selling book, William Barry shows how it it possible to understand an encounter with the Triune God in this world, and how that process can be interpreted and aided by a spiritual director.

Using the insights of John Macmurray and John Smith, Barry describes how a relationship with God develops and how one can discern whether a particular experience is from God or not. This understanding of religious experience comes from a theology of community, communal discernment and ministry in the church. This book will be helpful to spiritual directors, educators and theologians, as well as all educated seekers desiring a deeper relationship with God.

In this revised edition, the author has added reflections on God's presence to suffering and evil and to evildoers, updated the bibliography, and freshened his examples for the 21st-century reader.
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Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780809142941
Publisher:	Paulist Press
Publication date:	01/03/2005
Edition description:	REV
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

The author or co-author of 18 books William A. Barry, SJ, has been a Jesuit for 54 years and a priest for 42. He has taught at Weston Jesuit School of Theology, the University of Michigan and Boston College and engaged in administrative work in the Society of Jesus. At present he is co-director of a nine-month program for Jesuit priests and brothers prior to their final vows and gives retreats and spiritual direction at Campion Renewal Center, Weston, MA.

Table of Contents

Preface to the Revised Edition

Preface to the First Edition

1. Introduction

2. Understanding God's Presence in the World

3. The Religious Dimension of Experience

4. A Theology of Trinity and Community

5. The Development of the Relationship with God

6. A Theology of Discernment of Spirits

7. A Theology of the Ministry of Spiritual Direction

8. Conclusion

9. Annotated Bibliography

Notes