The Spiritual Journey: Critical Thresholds and Stages of Adult Spiritual Genesis

by Francis Kelly Nemeck OMI, Marie Theresa Coombs

Of the many contemporary books published on the spiritual life, most will pass quietly and quickly from the scene. Those that survive are rooted in the writers' intimate knowledge of the spiritual legacy of the past, on their appreciation of the best spiritual work of our era, and on a willingness to "take over" the wisdom of behavioral psychology and the social sciences. The best and most helpful writings on spirituality are vitalized by the personal experience of the authors. That is what gives this work the aura of authenticity which imparts to the reader the confidence that what is written in its pages has been lived and experienced deeply.

Genres: Spirituality

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Theo Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a powerful book. The concept of a journey into the heart of God is one that has been extremely important to me personally over the last few years and this book put into words a lot of the things I’ve been wrestling with, exploring, searching for, and receiving from the Lord. The clearest image here is of a God who loves.

I’d highly recommend it for anyone interested in contemplation. It’s also a valuable read for Spiritual Directors as it provides indicators of consolation/desolation throughout the various stages and how support a directee during those times.

[Paul Dubuc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be one of the more fascinating expositions of human spiritual development that I have ever read. It's not an academic study, though the authors draw helpful parallels with the work of Levinson, Erikson, Fowler, Piaget et. al. It describes the stages from viewpoint of the one experiencing them rather than trying to take an objective look at human development. This perspective is particularly apparent in the chapters on the "Nights" of the spirit, faith, hope and love which draw on the writing of St. John of the Cross on the "dark night of the soul." I found these parts to be disturbing yet compelling. I found myself in a strange sort of dialog with the book through most of it. There are some good passages for spiritual directors. The only thing which I felt to be lacking in this book is any insight from the authors on how these stages are lived out faithfully by people (like me) who are not monastics or hermits. That is left as an exercise for the reader. Maybe that is as it should be.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

had to read for a class, but recommend to anyone on a spiritual journey.....