Spiritual Director, Spiritual Companion: Guide to Tending the Soul

by Tilden Edwards

Updates his classic, Spiritual Friend Spiritual direction pioneer Tilden Edwards here shares the wealth of twenty years of experience he's gained since his classic book, Spiritual Friend. The fresh and insightful result covers both spiritual and practical sides of the art, from the nature of the soul to recommendations on payment rates. Both directors and directees benefit from this wholistic look that considers all of the person and not just his or her prayer life. At the book's heart, though, is spiritual direction at its best. Edwards examines new methods to nurture the soul, ways to recognize a true spiritual experience, and suggestions for being truly present during the process. Practical guidelines are also given for getting started with new directees, running group spiritual direction, evaluating sessions, and setting up a spiritual director peer group. In addition, Edwards gives a brief history of this special ministry and a view of its future. He also considers spiritual companionship in other religious traditions and their relation to a Christian framework. This new title offers enormous insight and support for both spiritual directors and directees, anyone considering entering spiritual direction, and all those ministers--from pastors to Christian counselors--who so often unexpectedly find themselves in the role of spiritual director.

Genres: Spirituality

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Trey Kennedy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The 7th chapter of this book is great and filled with many insights that are helpful for someone doing Spiritual Direction. I would say that chapter is the only reason to get this book.

I say that because the rest of the book is not that great. Edwards stumbles on some truths at times, and does a good job of remaining with in Christian teachings. But Edwards fails to have the good starting principles needed to ground anyone in any pursuit, let alone a Christian striving to help another build her/his relationship with God.

Edwards elevates experience to the point of primacy, while de-emphasizing the importance of reason to ground it. This is contrary to traditional Anglican (which is his tradition as an Episcopalian) theology of the 3-legged stool, or even the modern 4-legged stool notion of Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience, all of which are given *equal* status in the pursuit of Truth. Edwards limits himself to only a handful of thinkers from throughout Christian history, and this may very much be the problem in his approach.

Edwards writing style is boring, making it difficult to get through. Again, while he does make many good points, I can’t recommend the effort since the truths he reaches can be found in the works of other qualified authors.

[Dennis Podryadchikov · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Spiritual Director, Spiritual Companion" has become a classic in the field of spiritual direction and companionship. Edwards pursues two goals: he tells the story of the Shalem Institute's Spiritual Guidance Program and outlines his understanding of spiritual directorship. Edwards brings a unique perspective; he draws from the church history that spiritual guidance looked like a friendship of two spiritual people, but he fails to outline specific steps emphasizes this particular aspect. Nonetheless, the book is filled with both theoretical knowledge and practical steps. Edwards deals with specific topics such as homosexual and non-believer directees. Each section is concluded with two-three questions to either ponder or use in a session. This books will make a valuable addition to the library of a any spiritual director.

[Hans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful introduction

Edwards had written a very thoughtful and very helpful introduction to, and overview of spiritual direction in its various formal and informal shapes. Not only informative but alsof heartwarming and inviting to quiet reflection.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book by an amazing Christian man

[Scott Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edwards was a teacher at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation while was studying. His finely developed sense for the movement of the Spirit is very much in evidence in this book.

[Gabby · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was written in 2001 but it feels like 1954

[Erin Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some good and important content but was hard to get through.