The Call to Discernment in Troubled Times: New Perspectives on the Transformative Wisdom of Ignatius of Loyola

by Dean Brackley

A new kind of spiritual classic and a powerful reintroduction to Christianity, this hopeful book by esteemed pastor and teacher Fr. Dean Brackley integrates a realistic analysis of today's social crisis with the deep personal spirituality of St. Ignatius Loyola.

Genres: Spirituality, Theology, Nonfiction, Religion, Faith, Christianity

320 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 2004

Reviews

[Drick · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a conversation on spirituality and social justice, a friend recommended this book. The author Fr. Dean Brackley is a North American Catholic priest who has spent a great deal of time in El Slavador, sent there following the 1989 murder of 6 Jesuit priests by the El Salvadoran death squads. Brackley brings together his pastoral experiences with the poor of that country, and a deep appreciation and understanding of liberation theology with the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius. Not only does he provide basic guidance on various aspects of the spiritual life but translates Ignatius for contemporary Christians desiring to integrate their Christian faith with a passion for social justice. Rather than advocating a spirituality that follows a "monastic ideal" of withdrawal from the world, he calls for a worldly spirituality concerned and engaged with the realities of everyday life and the socio-political dynamics shaping that reality. While in some ways what he writes about was familiar to me from the reading of other writings on spirituality, in other ways Brackley brings a freshness that made his words deeply inspiring and which gave me a much deeper appreciation for the spiritual genius of Ignatius of Loyola.

[Jimmy Canning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dean Brackley expertly applies the teachings of St. Ignatius to our contemporary lives. He expounds on how we might practice the Spiritual Exercises, both in our individual lives and, perhaps more importantly, in our greater communities. He focuses throughout on how we might learn from, accompany, and serve the least fortunate among us. Overall, an excellent modern read to get back to spiritual groundedness.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a slow, thoughtful, contemplative read. I appreciated many of the author's insights and feel I have a better understanding of Ignatian spirituality. Recommended for those who are interested in gaining a deeper and more practical understanding of that topic.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as part of a year-long process with a group; selected because of its wisdom for a particularly divided and divisive socio-political climate. Much here for me personally and in my work of accompanying others. Best suited for folks with some familiarity with Ignatian spirituality and a desire for that to inform a lived witness of solidarity and justice.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't recall what led me to this book. There are numerous tomes out there about Ignatian spirituality/prayer, most of which are tiresomely repetitive of books that came before on the same subject. But acquire it I did and, also strangely, I read the foreword. Forewords hardly ever add anything to the book they foreword and the NEVER move me. However the foreword, by the editor of this book, Ellen Calmus, moved me greatly, so all of a sudden I have high expectations for what I am about to embark upon in the reading. I was not disappointed.
For all of us who have been bored to tears and or felt oppressed by some author's approach to prayer and spirituality, this book, which demands so much more of the reader in response is a very liberating work. Building on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, Brackley brings a totally contemporary understanding of what it means to seek and follow Jesus. Other versions of The Exercises, as I've said, feel pedantic and oppressive because they place the spirituality of following Jesus in some ethereal realm that most of us never come into contact with. Ignatius was clear that, as followers of The Christ, we should find God in everyday activities which are, in and of themselves, prayer, if we make the choice to exercise our souls in that way. Brackley suggests the ways of thinking and focusing our minds and hearts in our contemporary world that will lead to the real presence of "The Kingdom" in our lives as we practice this kind of discernment.
I would recommend this book to anyone.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderfully modern application of Ignatian spirituality. leans heavily towards social justice. As my dearest friend know, I am not big on government-mandated social justice. I believe firmly that the bible and our own innate morality calls us to PERSONAL social justice. My tax money should be mine to use as I see the need for social justice. I should not be forced to pay taxes and then mandate how the government spends my money. I believe in community-based social action groups, that are independent of the government. However, the rest of social justice, I am fine with. I am a true fan of Ignation spirituality and this book is a wonderful call to action within it's framework.

[Cappy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great antidote for the temptation to view spirituality narrowly - as merely private and personal. I found myself alternately struck by the text's implications for me and for my school community. It works well on either level, but best in playing each off the other.

[Seeker · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars for me.

I read this book as part of a reading group recently and found its emphasis on "universal spirituality" both very appealing and pertinent for today's secular, materialistic world. I'm a Muslim who grew up in a heavily ritualized environment and had limited awareness of Catholic/Jesuit beliefs. This book certainly enhanced my understanding and respect for this beautiful faith tradition. It also helped validate my own growing sentiments about faith, for example:

- from viewing "service to others" as being as important as ritualized prayers,
- to considering "humility" and "simplicity" as a way to connect with God,
- to using the Ignatian decision-making framework, both from a rational (i.e. pros-cons) perspective, to using a heart-centered approach (i.e. through "consolation'/fulfillment versus "desolation" or "consolation without cause", etc.).

The book also helped me better appreciate the late Pope Francis's beautiful life as a Jesuit Pope.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second read of this book. The first time I referenced it, from time to time, as I made my way through the 19th Annotation of the Spiritual Exercises. It was very helpful, at just the right moments. This time, I read it consecutively, as written, thoroughly, and slowly, as spiritual reading during my daily prayer. It is an excellent guide and companion for seeking to live in downward mobility, a kind of practical simplicity, and for trying to live as Jesus lived: in relationship with those considered poor, vulnerable, or marginalized.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me a while to read this, but reading was Spirit-led. Brackley brilliantly applies the Spiritual Exercises to relevant social realities of poverty and suffering (some big First Week vibes) while incorporating Ignatian spirituality practices to the reader. Highly recommend either as a stand alone read, or paired with Spiritual Exercises for an even greater depth to that experience. Dean Brackley is some prophet!

[Bobbi Kraft · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was fine but there are other titles that cover the Ignatian Exercises better. There was nothing that set this book apart from the basis of the Exercises despite the title implying specificity for “troubled times.”

[Chris Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to Ignatian spirituality with an eye to its relevance for contemorary readers.

[Izzy Senechal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spiritually compelling and profound. My favorite of the religious nonfiction I’ve read this year.

[John Mannebach III · Rating 2 out of 5]

Needs significant editing

[Patti Clement · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was one of my textbooks in my Spiritual Direction Certification programs. Although the content(Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius)is something I wholeheartedly embrace and it led to some very interesting class dialogue, I personally did not complete those sections of the book not assigned because the author did not touch the depths of my soul with his style. Others in my program loved it!

[Geoffrey Bateman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book extremely useful in my exploration of Ignatian vocational discernment. Of all the books I've read in the past year or so, this one provides perhaps the richest and most theological explication of Ignatius's thinking on these issues. I'm not sure it will appeal to all the students I work with, but it will be a great resource for many.

[Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for those looking to to answer God's call to service in their life. Dean Brackley provides a casual interpretation of Ignatius's Spiritual Exercises in a social justice context that is a great aid to discovering one's role in healing the suffering of the world.

[Ethan Linder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only does Brackley offer refreshing insights on the practices of Ignatius; he calls readers to a new ethos. One of the most important books I've read--engaging, spiritually enriching, and illuminatingly relevant for the disciplines of the inner life.

[Maggie Needham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for my justice seminar class, and though we only read about half of the chapters, I really did like it. Brackley has a good way of explaining complex theological ideas.