My spiritual director recommended this book to me toward the end of my own discernment to leave the Jesuits after two and a half years. Though it did ...moreMy spiritual director recommended this book to me toward the end of my own discernment to leave the Jesuits after two and a half years. Though it did not influence my decision it did confirm my already-made decision to leave and I could related to many of his experiences, even living in some of the same communities Andrew Krivak lived in. This is clearly an autobiography but I had a hard time with his alternating between explanations of his Jesuit formation and his time outside the Society. I didn't always see these parts align as maybe he wanted. Nonetheless it was an honest account of his experiences. The book might have been triple the length if he added more detail about the stages of his formation. I would have liked to have heard more about his discernment process about leaving as the part where he meets his future wife at the beginning of theology studies only occurs in the last twenty pages or so.(less)
The first two chapters were a bit rambly and complex but I especially liked the chapters on Affection, Friendship, and Eros. Lewis always has so many ...moreThe first two chapters were a bit rambly and complex but I especially liked the chapters on Affection, Friendship, and Eros. Lewis always has so many great take-away lines in that you almost want to make sure you keep a copy on your personal shelf. Definitely a great read bringing in Christian and psychological perspectives on the various kinds of love.(less)
The author's writing is interesting and at times has a stream of consciousness feel but he gets across some deep insights of John of the Cross. This i...moreThe author's writing is interesting and at times has a stream of consciousness feel but he gets across some deep insights of John of the Cross. This is the kind of book you'll want to go back and re-read certain chapters and sections. Fr Matthew reveals John's "nighttime", it's healing power and how Jesus is our encounter with God. He also touches at the end on prayer and John's advice for his novices on how to find God in times of arid prayer. Good and deep stuff!(less)
Therese is by far my favourite saint and her autobiography captures the delight and spirit that she is. What an important book for inspiring my vocati...moreTherese is by far my favourite saint and her autobiography captures the delight and spirit that she is. What an important book for inspiring my vocation and strengthening my relationship with this wonderful, real, loving young woman.(less)
This is a great introduction to the enneagram and puts it in a Christian perspective. The book even goes so far as to look at how Jesus lived out the ...moreThis is a great introduction to the enneagram and puts it in a Christian perspective. The book even goes so far as to look at how Jesus lived out the positive aspects of the nine personality types. I highly recommend this for anyone who wishes to grow in greater self-awareness and personal growth.(less)
This is a decent introduction to the wisdom of the desert fathers, the early fathers of the Church. Rowan Williams writes in a fairly easy to read man...moreThis is a decent introduction to the wisdom of the desert fathers, the early fathers of the Church. Rowan Williams writes in a fairly easy to read manner but the chapters can go a bit long and at times the content felt slightly heavy. Not a page turner is what I'm trying to get at. He does cover a lot that relates to how we can grow as individuals and as Christians.(less)
I loved this book. It certainly made me more judgmental. Fussell, though he doesn't cite his sources and one questions what research has been done, he...moreI loved this book. It certainly made me more judgmental. Fussell, though he doesn't cite his sources and one questions what research has been done, he makes points and points out class indicators that are so true. We use the terms "middle class", "working class", and "upper class" all the time, yet we try to deny the existence of a class system in the United States? This book gives an insightful and humourous look at the reality. Though published in the 1980s and a bit outdated, so much still rings true today.(less)
A concise and easy-to-understand and -read compilation of Ignatian principles and rules of discernment. For someone who has experienced the Spiritual ...moreA concise and easy-to-understand and -read compilation of Ignatian principles and rules of discernment. For someone who has experienced the Spiritual Exercises, this really brought it home for me and gave me a renewed appreciation for Ignatius' genius insights. The book makes Ignatian discernment accessible and absolutely practical using real life examples. A perfect book to read when approaching big life decisions.(less)
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