Dark Night Journey: Inward Re-Patterning Toward a Life Centered in God

by Sandra Cronk

The dark night aptly describes the situation of those who have had a growing sense of God's presence, direction, and consolation, and are suddenly bereft of that experience. Aridity, meaninglessness, loss, and pain are hardly the milestones expected in a journey toward God--yet this is a journey toward God. The author brings a unique Quaker perspective to her interpretation of this powerful pathway, and offers sensitive guidance to dark night travelers and those who seek to understand and nurture them. "This is an exciting and life affirming book. It is well balance between the practical and the spiritual, speaking heart to heart, not head to head. It provides much wise advice and could be used by friends and meetings with great profit." -John Punshon- "As a Religious to whom others come for guidance, I find this book a godsend which clearly lays out the dark night journey, helps illuminate the way to knowing God's love in the depths of one's being, and helps bring others to that gentle, nurturing love."--Mother Suzanne Elizabeth-- Sandra Cronk is a spiritual nurturer, teacher, and historian of religions. For ten years, she taught Quaker faith and thought, spiritual life studies, and religious community at Pendle Hill, A quaker center for study and contemplation near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1990 she became a foundation member of the School of the Spirit, a ministry of contemplative prayer and religious study.

179 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1991

Reviews

[Rhiannon Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful descriptions of a common spiritual experience, drawing on the Quaker and wider Christian tradition. Not just aimed at those in or with experience of a 'dark night', but also people who may be working with or supporting them.

[K Steward · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books resonates with me and my own life and spiritual experience. I have read it previously years ago; think I got a bit more this time; will probably read it again and learn more. There is a chapter or two that I don't find in my own experience yet. But I would encourage other readers to continue reading if that happens; you may find something that is meaningful to you.
One of the things I particularly noticed this time is how accepting the author is that there are varieties of spiritual experience and that there is not something wrong with you if your experience is different from that of others.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good background to prepare me for St. John of the Cross' "Dark Night of the Soul"

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for understanding John of the Cross's Dark Night of the Soul.