Spiritual Direction

by Martin Thornton

Overview

Here at last is a book that deals seriously and comprehensively with the rapidly growing field of spiritual direction. Spiritual Direction offers practical help to those clergy and laypersons who are responsible for the spiritual lives of other people. Spiritual Direction encourages spiritual directors to take their responsibilities seriously and professionally, moving spiritual direction away from "cozy little chats" to the "cold, hard slab" of the examining table. Equipped with certain skills--a keen knowledge of human psychology and an awareness of biblical and contemplative traditions--the spiritual director objectively examines the client, then offers concrete guidance for the spiritual life of the client. As a prominent figure in pastoral theology and Anglican spirituality for three decades, Martin Thornton is uniquely qualified to offer us insights into spiritual direction. He restores credibility and professionalism to spiritual direction, which is at once hard, analytical, and supportive. Thornton writes with wit, common sense, and an absence of sentimentality on a topic that calls for serious attention. Spiritual Direction is important reading for the increasing numbers of laypeople involved in spiritual direction, as well as for clergy and pastoral counselors.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781725231214
Publisher:	Wipf & Stock Publishers
Publication date:	03/01/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	156
Sales rank:	774,250
File size:	20 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Martin Thornton (1915-1986) was an Anglican priest and spiritual director, author and lecturer on ascetical theology. He was active for much of his life in the Diocese of Truro, England.
Martin Thornton was one of the leading lights in Anglican theology and spirituality. Of his numerous books, English Spirituality and Spiritual Direction have helped shape the course of ascetical theology. Before his death in June 1986, Thornton served for ten years, as Chancellor of Truro Cathedral. A Joyful Heart was his last book.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

1 Introduction: Bi-sociation and Via Media 1

2 The Ambulance Syndrome 9

3 The Guidance Game 16

4 The Relationship 23

5 Love on the Slab 30

6 The Categories: Ancient and Modern 39

7 The Ascetical Syllabus 48

8 The Bible 54

9 Creed and Doctrine 64

10 Moral Theology 80

11 The Schools 87

12 Progression 94

13 Progression: Ancient and Modern 105

14 Socio-Theology: A Curious Courtship 111

15 Some Practical Guidelines 125

Appendices 133

Index 141