Silent Presence: Discernment As Process and Problem

by Ernest Larkin

Larkin, Ernest

Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Paul Swift · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book on general discernment. You get out what you put into it because it is pretty dense even though engaging. I feel like I should reread it during a weekend retreat, so that I’d have time to pray and meditate with it.

[djt · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Fr.Ernest Larkin, O.Carm. gives a great overview of discernment; its psychological and theological elements. In the "Process" section of this book, Fr. Larkin explains how it is psychological, sociological, and anthropological, while its inspiration is spiritual. In "Silent Presence" Fr. Larkin gives quotes and examples from saints and psychologists, philosophers and theologians to support his writing on Christian discernment. What's great about this book is it doesn't attempt to "teach" a discernment process. In fact, he states discernment cannot be taught. What he accomplishes is to describe the thoughts and feelings related to discernment and points out how discernment isn't meant to give us difinitive answers on what to do in our life, but affords direction in whether or not we're on the right track, together with instilling a sense of peace and calm within. I found this book very interesting and definitely recommend it as a quick (only 63 pages) but really helpful book for anyone experiencing stress and turmoil in their lives, since it gives information on looking within to find that peace so desperately needed.