Spiritual Directors International Series (9 vols.)

by Susan S. Phillips; Jamal Rahman; Kathleen Schmitt Elias; Ann Holmes Redding

and

9 more

Publisher:

Morehouse Publishing

, 2003–2010

Overview

This series offers guidance and instruction for those involved in spiritual direction. These nine volumes, produced in cooperation with Spiritual Directors International (SDI)—a global network of approximately 6,000 spiritual directors and members—presents wisdom by experienced men and women who practice a variety of methods with the souls entrusted to their care.

Discover how art, hospitality, and trends play a role in spiritual direction. Examine both the outward and the inward dimensions of guiding people through major life changes. Learn how to supervise spiritual directors. You’ll delve into a wealth of knowledge and gain many insights with the Spiritual Directors International series.

In the Logos editions, these volumes are enhanced by amazing functionality. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Examines the complex field of spiritual direction from many angles
• Presents the wisdom of practicing spiritual directors
• Produced in cooperation with Spiritual Directors International

Product Details

• Title: Spiritual Directors International Series
• Publisher: Morehouse Publishing
• Volumes: 9
• Pages: 1,872
• Christian Group: Anglican/Episcopalian
• Resource Type: Topical
• Topic: Pastoral Care and Counseling

Awakening the Creative Spirit: Bringing the Arts to Spiritual Direction

• Authors: Christine Valters Paintner and Betsey Beckman
• Series: Spiritual Directors International Series
• Publisher: Morehouse Publishing
• Publication Date: 2010
• Pages: 256

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Awakening the Creative Spirit: Bringing the Arts to Spiritual Direction is designed to help spiritual directors and others use expressive arts in the context of spiritual direction. It is the latest book in the unique Spiritual Directors International series, designed for professional spiritual directors, but also useful for clergy, therapists, and Christian formation specialists.

I put this at the top of the list as required reading for spiritual directors and spiritual formation classes. The clear, foundational writing introduces ‘art in service to the soul.’ Brimming with multiple art forms, we get to hear the voices of directors and directees who are profoundly affected by the arts. This book is the next best thing to learning directly from such wise, inspiring teachers.

—Cynthia Winton-Henry, author, Dance—A Sacred Art

We have been far too left-brained, verbal, and linear in our attempts to transform and mature actual people—intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. Here we have two women filling the tragic gap—and beautifully so! Spiritual direction is the growing edge of ministry today and this excellent book will surely direct that growth.

—Richard Rohr, OFM, founder, Center for Action and Contemplation

Word, image, music, dance: this book provides a rich vocabulary for entering more deeply into conversation and communion with the One who gives us the arts as path to knowing God.

—Jan Richardson, author, In Wisdom’s Path: Discovering the Sacred in Every Season

. . . [A]n inspiring and regenerating piece of work that teaches the intrinsic significance of the arts and the value of engaging body, mind and spirit in creative pursuit of awakening the Holy that resides within.

—Rebecca Bradburn Langer, adjunct faculty, San Francisco Theological Seminary

Replete with exercises, examples, stories, and resources, Awakening the Creative Spirit offers the most comprehensive guide to date on how to develop the ‘spark of divine creativity’ embedded in us all. Those of us engaged in teaching the art of spiritual direction will find in it a beautiful introduction to the arts as the ‘language of the soul.’

—Mary Rose Bumpus, assistant professor of spirituality, School of Theology and Ministry, Seattle University

Christine Valters Paintner and Betsey Beckman showcase the gifts of storytelling, imagination, dance, visual art, music, movement, poetry and presence. Through a gentle weaving of their insightful work, with reflections from workshop participants and the community of spiritual directors, the authors prepare a dazzling palette for discovery and deepening.

—Marianne Hieb, director, Lourdes Wellness Spirituality Program

Christine Valters Paintner holds a PhD in Christian spirituality from the Graduate Theological Union and is an adjunct faculty member at Seattle University’s School of Theology and Ministry. She is also a registered expressive arts consultant and educator, art editor for Presence Journal, and author of Water, Wind, Earth, and Fire: The Christian Practice of Praying with the Elements and Lectio Divina: Contemplative Awakening and Awareness.

Betsey Beckman holds a master of ministry degree from Seattle University and is nationally acclaimed as a liturgical dancer, storyteller, and presenter. An author and spiritual director weaving movement therapy, improvisation and InterPlay, she also choreographs and produces a series of Biblical storydance DVDs through The Dancing Word.

Candlelight: Illuminating the Art of Spiritual Direction

• Author: Susan S. Phillips
• Series: Spiritual Directors International Series
• Publisher: Morehouse Publishing
• Publication Date: 2008
• Pages: 272

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Candlelight offers an intimate view of spiritual direction through written reenactments of actual spiritual direction sessions. The experiential practice is accompanied by theoretical and theological foundations guiding it. The book includes the stories of nine men and women whose stories illustrate how the journey of Christian discipleship is helped by spiritual direction.

Susan Phillips’ thoughtful, listening intelligence incandesces in this account of her practice of spiritual direction. The process comes to vivid life in her personal narratives of sessions with directees in God’s presence. I was moved at the way Susan’s insights grew in relationship with those she met with over months and years. I felt holiness creeping into my own life.

—Luci Shaw, author, Breath for the Bones: Imagination, Art, & Spirit

Reading Candlelight is like watching spiritual direction sessions through a two-way mirror while simultaneously privy to the thoughts and feelings of the author. Invaluable for people doing spiritual direction or contemplating it. Provides discerning insights into the difference in form and focus between psychotherapy and spiritual direction. Likely to be absorbing reading for Jungian or transpersonal psychologists.

—Jean Shinoda Bolen, author, Close to the Bone

Susan Phillips doesn’t just talk about spiritual direction, she allows us to see her engaged in this ministry, providing a much needed glimpse inside the spiritual direction room, inside the lives of real directees, inside the mind and heart of a gifted spiritual director.

—Elizabeth Liebert, professor of spiritual life, San Francisco Theological Seminary

While some books on spiritual direction emphasize theology and theory and others are more practical and applied, Susan Phillips offers us something quite unique. We are invited to peek into sacred spaces, absorb poignant stories and watch the candle shed light and sketch shadows. Instead of the harshness of pragmatic, prescriptive and programmatic approaches to spirituality, one is left with a deep and gentle sense that God is here with us.

—Rod Wilson, president and professor of counselling and psychology, Regent College

Susan S. Phillips is executive director of New College Berkely, part of the Graduate Theological Union. She has recently spoken in England, Canada, Austria, Thailand, and the US; she regularly leads retreats for churches and clergy groups. She teaches spiritual theology at Fuller Theological Seminary, the largest Christian seminary in the US. She is a spiritual director.

Discerning Life Transitions: Listening Together in Spiritual Direction

• Author: Dwight H. Judy
• Series: Spiritual Directors International Series
• Publisher: Morehouse Publishing
• Publication Date: 2010
• Pages: 176

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Every one of us will experience several major life changes over the course of adulthood. Each of these transitions will be marked by external changes, such as change of location, career changes, promotions, or job losses, plus changes in family circumstances, including births, marriage, and death. These transitions may also be marked by inner change, since most of us readily examine our faith life and relationship with God during such periods.

This new book helps people examine both the outward and the inward dimensions of major life changes. This blend of interior examination and attention to practical issues is shown in the questions that set the stage for the discernment process.

Dwight Judy offers a rare gift as we tread the puzzling path of transition: the voice and companionship of an experienced traveler on the way. With insight born out of his own navigation of life transitions, he creates and nurtures a receptive space for persons and their fellow travelers to experience a prayerful climate of mutual listening and care as direction is discerned. In all stages of the journey Judy walks and waits with the reader, the discerner, and the persons who travel alongside, offering wisdom, questions for guidance, directing our gaze toward God who is with us always.

—Wendy J. Miller, assistant professor emeritus of spiritual formation, Eastern Mennonite Seminary

Each of us makes life-changing decisions at key moments in our lives. Dwight Judy’s book offers a valuable resource to those making such decisions and those seeking to help them. He brings an abundance of insight as well as helpful exercises to this endeavor. They are the result of Dwight’s combining years of pastoral experience with academic research and teaching both in spirituality and psychology.

—Robert Schmitt, dean, College of Psychology and Humanistic Studies, Saybrook University

Discerning Life Transitions is an inspiring book to work with individually or in small groups as a discerning and spiritual guide to listening to the various ‘calls’ that each life transition provides. Practical, inspiring and deeply comforting!

—Angeles Arrien, author, The Second Half of Life

Dwight H. Judy is professor of spiritual formation at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. His other books include Christian Meditation and Inner Healing, Healing the Male Soul: Christianity and the Mythic Journey, Embracing God: Praying with Teresa of Avila, and Quest for the Mystical Christ: Awakening the Heart of Faith.

Faith Styles: Ways People Believe

• Author: John R. Mabry
• Series: Spiritual Directors International Series
• Publisher: Morehouse Publishing
• Publication Date: 2006
• Pages: 144

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

A noted spiritual director suggests new ways of looking at how different people understand and relate to the divine. Author John R. Mabry explores the many styles of faith that characterize believers in all religions, examines the various modes of believing, and offers ways for spiritual directors to use this knowledge as they work with their clients. It also includes illustrative case studies and practical suggestions for offering spiritual direction.

Genuine dialogue requires understanding and honoring the other ‘as other.’ By providing vivid descriptions of various faith-stances, Mabry’s interesting sketches will motivate serious participants in inter-faith dialogue to pursue further knowledge of how differently-and sincerely-believers experience their faith. In a post-9/11 world of tension fueled by sectarian divisions, Mabry’s survey of the landscape of faith is a timely guide for deeper exploration and mutual understanding.

—Wilkie Au, professor of theological studies, Loyola Marymount University

This is a fascinating book, giving tremendous insight into why people of the same religion are often at such odds with others who share their faith. John Mabry peels back the layers of religion to reveal the more basic psychological, social, and spiritual differences between us. He shows how people in all religions, and even agnostics and atheists, seem to cluster into one of six basic approaches to faith, approaches that may divide those within a particular religion, while ironically making them similar to those of different faiths. This book is a must read for those trying to understand the human spiritual yearning and why we choose the faith practices that we do.

—N. Graham Standish, author, Humble Leadership

John R. Mabry teaches spiritual direction, world religions, and interfaith theology at the Chaplaincy Institute for Arts and Interfaith Ministry. He is the former editor of Presence: An International Journal of Spiritual Direction and Creation Spirituality magazine. He holds a master’s degree in creation spirituality and a doctorate in world religions. He is co-pastor of Grace North Church in Berkeley, California.

Hospitality: The Heart of Spiritual Direction

• Author: Leslie A. Hay
• Series: Spiritual Directors International Series
• Publisher: Morehouse Publishing
• Publication Date: 2006
• Pages: 128

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

In this volume, professional spiritual directors and those in formation programs learn to extend traditional forms of hospitality by living out its deeper meaning as they explore ways in which the spirit of hospitality enriches the spiritual direction experience.

Leslie Hay’s Hospitality is a deceptively easy read as she deftly weaves together her own experience of prayer, the wisdom of St. Benedict, and down-to-earth counsel about the practice of this too-often misunderstood ministry. This is a helpful book for experienced directors, beginners, and seekers.

—Margaret Guenther, author, Holy Listening

Drawing from the Rule of St. Benedict, a variety of scriptural and theological resources and from her own experience, Leslie Hay invites spiritual directors to reflect on hospitality as the essence of that ministry. This book offers food for reflection and prayer, and invites the reader to enter as a guest.

—Mary C. Earle, author, Broken Body, Healing Spirit

This thorough work includes numerous notes and an extensive bibliography. It offers a Christian perspective that readies all denominations to welcome God, others, and every aspect of self.

—Presence

The concept of hospitality is given practical and specific application for spiritual directors with questions focusing on acceptance, providing space for ‘tending the holy,’ and remaining free of judgment, prejudice, and expectation. Recommended for spiritual directors, pastors, and any whose call includes the guiding of others in their faith journeys.

—The Church and Synagogue Library Association

Leslie A. Hay is a spiritual director, and the area coordinator for her region in Spiritual Directors International.

Spiritual Direction in Context

• Editor: Nick Wagner
• Series: Spiritual Directors International Series
• Publisher: Morehouse Publishing
• Publication Date: 2006
• Pages: 192

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

“God created us to be lovers,” writes Nick Wagner in his introduction to Spiritual Direction in Context. “When we love, we are in right relationship. We are acting for justice. The ministry of every spiritual director, in any context, is to serve as a guide into the depths of that love relationship.”

Here, in this provocative collection of essays, respected leaders in the field of spiritual direction explore the myriad of contexts in which this relationship takes place and offers practical ways to respond to them.

As the popularity of spiritual direction grows, directors are facing situations that monks and nuns—for centuries the exclusive practitioners of this profession—never had to face.

The essays in this book, drawn from Presence, the journal of Spiritual Directors International, look deeply at spiritual direction in a number of contexts, including the workplace, with the aging, in hospitals, with women’s groups, with youth, with the homeless, and with those in mourning.

An important book for the spiritual director and a very challenging and useful resource for those who sponsor and administer spiritual formation programs for spiritual directors.

—Benedictines

Nick Wagner is editor of Presence, the journal of Spiritual Directors International.

Supervision of Spiritual Directors: Engaging in Holy Mystery

• Editors: Mary Rose Bumpus and Rebecca Bradburn Langer
• Series: Spiritual Directors International Series
• Publisher: Morehouse Publishing
• Publication Date: 2005
• Pages: 208

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

The last decade has seen increased interest in the practice of spiritual direction, both from people feeling called to be spiritual directors, and from those seeking direction. But with the growth in the number of directors has come an increased need to train their supervisors.

This collection of essays is one of the first books in the field that help with the training of supervisors. Written by spiritual directors who have years of experience in supervision between them, this book engages some of the leading voices in the field in an exploration of a wide variety of issues, including gender and sexuality, ethical dilemmas, working with diverse racial ethnic constituents, working with the differently abled, the parameters of supervision, the supervision of beginning directors, and more. An excellent textbook for those who feel called to the role of supervisor, as well as an important book for those who are already practicing in the field.

Mary Rose Bumpus is a Sister of Mercy of the Cincinnati Regional Community who has worked in the area of spiritual direction for 25 years. She currently serves as assistant professor of Christian spirituality at Seattle University and was formerly director of the Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction Program at San Francisco Theological Seminary.

Rebecca Bradburn Langer is an ordained Presbyterian minister, spiritual director, and the coordinator of supervision for San Francisco Theological Seminary in the diploma in the art of spiritual direction program.

Tending the Holy: Spiritual Direction across Traditions

• Editor: Norvene Vest
• Series: Spiritual Directors International Series
• Publisher: Morehouse Publishing
• Publication Date: 2003
• Pages: 224

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

“God is mystery,” writes Norvene Vest in the introduction to Tending the Holy, “and every form of religion is an effort to respond faithfully to the mystery of God by whatever name. The Divine breaks through into human experience in many ways, and humans respond variously to the awesome experience of God.” And those various responses are what the contributors to Tending the Holy document. In this provocative and cutting-edge collection readers are given the opportunity to see what spiritual direction looks like—and what questions are asked—through a variety of lenses. From an examination of the spiritual direction relationship in the Evangelical Christian tradition, to Buddhism and Hindu ones, to the better-known ones of the Benedictines, Carmelites, and Ignatians, and finally, to the contemporary lenses of feminism, Generation X, the institutional perspective, and even one based on the natural world and the spirituality of St. Francis, this collection explores unexplored territory. Tending the Holy is an important resource for spiritual directors and pastoral counselors.

Although this book is more for the pastoral counselor or spiritual director, it is a wonderful series of essays for those of us interested in learning more about how we as humans encounter the living God and share the spiritual journey with one another. Tending the Holy is filled with more than just information on various expressions of spiritual direction across many traditions, it holds within its pages an opportunity to learn something new about the spiritual connections we have with the person sitting in the pew next to us on Sunday morning, as well as the person sitting across from us on Trax.

—Dialogue

Norvene Vest is a spiritual director, author, and workshop leader, well known especially for her books on Benedictine spirituality for the common life. She is an Episcopal laywoman, oblate of a Roman Catholic monastery, and graduate of a Protestant seminary.

Out of Darkness, Into Light: Spiritual Guidance in the Quran with Reflections from Jewish and Christian Sources

• Authors: Jamal Rahman, Kathleen Schmitt Elias, and Ann Holmes Redding
• Series: Spiritual Directors International Series
• Publisher: Morehouse Publishing
• Publication Date: 2009
• Pages: 272

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

An introduction to the major themes and passages of the holy book of Islam, this book invites readers to meditate on verses of the Quran as support for spiritual practices and growth. It guides the reader through the rich tapestry of the Quran, weaving through a number of themes, including the mystery of God, surrender to the divine will, and provisions for the spiritual journey. Quranic verses are supplemented by sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, the words of Rumi and other Sufi poets, and relevant quotations and insights from Jewish and Christian sources. The book also offers practical suggestions for expanding and strengthening one’s spiritual sinews.

The writers of this thoughtful and wise book take us gently by the hand and show us, ‘Here is the one God, the God of us all, right here in the Quran.’ This message is actually quite good news, although it challenges the assumption that God is wholly owned by Christianity, or any one religion. I hope that Out of Darkness Into Light is read widely and taken to heart so that we all can widen our circles of embrace and recognize the God of love and compassion in more people and places.

—Desmond Tutu, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and Archbishop Emeritus, Capetown, South Africa

This marvelous book is an example of the theology that is done best when it is done comparatively. Out of Darkness into Light offers new insights for beginners as well as the most seasoned reader of scripture.”

—Amir Hussain, associate professor of theological studies, Loyola Marymount University

A magnificently engaging reflection on faith by authors who adhere to the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Elegantly written, highly readable, and eminently fulfilling for anyone interested in understanding what light Judaism, Christianity, and Islam offer today.

—Ebrahim Moosa, professor of Islamic studies, Duke University

An exciting book for those who want to explore more deeply the spiritual teachings of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. . . . inspires a healing conversation of spirit among the three Abrahamic faiths and provides nourishment for our souls and greater hope for peaceful and loving coexistence in our world.

—Rabbi Ted Falcon, author, Getting to the Heart of Interfaith

This book contains a wealth of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish texts that can help readers understand all three Abrahamic traditions more deeply.

—Christian Century

Jamal Rahman is a Muslim Sufi minister who teaches on the adjunct faculty at Seattle University. Author of The Fragrance of Faith: The Enlightened Heart of Islam, he is also a co-host on “Interfaith Talk Radio,” speaker, and retreat leader.

Kathleen Schmitt Elias, a former nun, is a Gregorian chanter, Jew by choice, meditation leader, and professional editor. She also lives in Seattle.

Ann Holmes Redding is a professor of Christian Scripture, preacher, speaker, and retreat leader, based in Seattle.