Spiritual Direction in the Episcopal Church

Abstract

This article briefly traces the definition, history, and current typical practices of spiritual direction in the Episcopal Church (and, by extension, the Anglican Communion). An understanding is presented of the transformation process as an alliance against the client's shame. The on-going discussion between “directors” and “spiritual companions” as different approaches to power relations with spiritual direction is summarized. Characteristics by which Episcopalians gauge spiritual maturity are described. Difficulties in exactly distinguishing spiritual direction from conventional psychotherapy are described in view of the latter's fluidity in practice. Attention is focused on the triggers that alert the director to the need for the other discipline. Also, two books representing different currents within the mainstream are recommended.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Anonymous. (1978). The cloud of unknowing. London: Penguin Books Ltd.

Anonymous. (1995). The philokalia. London: Faber & Faber.

Bloom

(1970). Beginning to pray. Mahwah, NJ: The Paulist Press.

The book of common prayer. (1979). New York: Church Hymnal Corporation.

de Sales

(2000). Introduction to the devout life. London: J.M. Dent & Sons, Ltd.

Donne

(1959). Devotions. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press.

Edwards

(1997). The religious affections. Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust.

Harton

F. P.

(1950). The elements of the spiritual life: A study in ascetical theology. London: S.P.C.K.

Herbert

(1981). The country parson, the temple. New York: The Missionary Society of St. Paul.

10.

Holmes

U. T.

III (1980). A history of Christian spirituality. New York: The Seabury Press.

11.

John of the Cross. (1901). The works of John of the Cross of the Order of our Lady of Carmel (D. Lewis, Trans.). London: Thomas Baker.

12.

Julian of Norwich., (1952). Revelations of divine love recorded by Julian, anchoress at Norwich anno domini 1371. London: Methuen & C. Ltd.

13.

Kelsey

(1972). Encounter with god. Minneapolis: Bethany Fellowship, Inc.

14.

Lawrence

(1958). The practice of the presence of God. Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Company.

15.

P. E.

, & Cross

F. L.

(1951). Anglicanism: The thought and practice of the Church of England, illustrated from the religious literature of the seventeenth century. London: Society for the Promulgation of Christian Knowledge.

16.

Sanford

(1970). The kingdom within. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Co.

17.

Suurmond

J. J.

(1994). Word and spirit at play: Towards a charismatic theology. London: SCM Press Ltd.

18.

Temple

(2001). The molten soul: Danger and opportunities in religious conversion. New York: Church Publishing, Inc.

19.

Teresa of Avila., (1964). The way of perfection. New York: Doubleday Image Books.

20.

Teresa of Avila., (1979). The interior castle. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press.