Exploring spiritual direction: An essay on Christian friendship

alan w. jones

This new edition of a classic work of spiritual theology, one of
the first to emerge out of the spiritual direction movement, helps us to
explore spiritual direction in the wider context of Christian friendship.
Rather than focusing exclusively on the relationship between director and
directed, Exploring Spiritual Direction is a spacious work in which all can
find their place. It is concerned with the whole life of the body and
spirit as the background against which spiritual friendship unfolds, and in
that way truly integrates theology and spirituality.
Jones begins with our need for companionship that helps to clarify our
understanding and lets us move beyond our own prejudices to see the "true
nature of things." Insisting on the need to undertake spiritual direction
as an act of worship within a faith community, he goes on to look at the
part that spiritual warfare, vulnerability, imagination, contemplation, and
sacrifice all play in the work of spiritual guidance.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Alan Jones is the Dean of Grace Cathedral, San Francisco,
and former professor of ascetical theology at the General Theological
Seminary. His many books include Exploring Spiritual Direction, Living the
Truth, Journey Into Christ, Soul Making, Passion for Pilgrimage, and The
Soul's Journey.

Genres spirituality

135 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1,1982