What is Ignatian Spirituality?

by David L. Fleming

Its effects are often life changing. But what exactly is it, and why do so many people embrace it?

The most influential spiritual movement of the modern age is Ignatian spirituality, an approach to the spiritual life based on the insights of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Ignatian spirituality teaches an active attentiveness to God joined with a prompt responsiveness to God, who is ever active in people’s lives.
In What Is Ignatian Spirituality? , David L. Fleming, SJ, provides an authoritative yet highly accessible summary of the key elements of Ignatian spirituality, among which are contemplative prayer, discernment, and dynamic involvement in service and mission. In twenty concise chapters, Fr. Fleming explains how this centuries-old method of disciplined reflection on God’s work in the world can deepen our spiritual lives today and guide all the decisions we make.
Also available in Spanish! ¿Qué es la espiritualidad ignaciana?

Genres: Religion, Spirituality, Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Catholic, Christianity

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2008

Reviews

[Robert Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview.

[Ashley Chesnut · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book explains the 4 weeks of Ignatius’ spiritual practices

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not Jesuit or even Catholic so yk I got some issues with theological differences here. including with a few phrases in this book. particularly referring to calling the Jesuit tradition a "flavor" because that's just weird. also at one point the author says that according to Ignatius, Jesus, separate of the trinity, is *the* God of the Principle and Foundation. Sure that might just be bad phrasing, but it is absolutely bonkers that that sentence was approved. overall I think the book focuses way too much on taking Ignatius' words and using God to fill in the gaps when instead it should be taking God and using Ignatius' words to "dumb it down". then again, I'm not a theologian nor am I even Catholic.

On a more positive note, the general concepts explained in this book are nice. Some of them are used or explained in my own church, just without the fancy titles or Saintly justifications.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells you exactly what it’s about in the title. And David Fleming goes on the explain that the crux of ignatian spirituality is relationship, not rules.

This book might be a good pre-read for someone considering the 19th annotation. Or for someone with a family member who is a Jesuit. This book shows you the heart of that order and how your own heart can benefit from seeing God’s love through the prism St. Ignatius left us.

I wish this book had a bit more narrative flow, but the short chapters did make it easy to read in small bursts. Definitely glad I read it and I can easily see why it’s a part of my training program.

[Soap!]

I found this incredibly affecting. To love and be loved in return—in a cosmological manner… I’ll be thinking about what I’ve learned and experienced living alongside the Jesuits these past several days for a long time. The depth and vividness of their imagination and the sincerity of their passion is remarkable, and unlike any other religious community I have ever experienced. This book is a concise and accessible overview to their way of proceeding and to helpful to those interested in Christian mysticism in general.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book nightly, with only one or two chapters per night. I enjoyed having the time to reflect on the lessons. I also loved being reminded what I learned in my Jesuit high school classes. I might read this again periodically, to keep those lessons in mind. Ignatian spirituality feels so important to me these days. Probably even more than in my high school days.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2/5

While there are many aspects of Ignatian spirituality that I don’t agree with, I have been enjoyed learning about Ignatius and the development of the Spiritual Exercises. In this book, Fleming provides a very helpful and devotional introduction to both of these things. It serves as a great resource for people who know little to nothing about Ignatian spirituality.

[Joe Gassman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ignatius in Heart

This was a simple explanation of a very complex man, saint and concept. This is an excellent book for the beginner on the journey as well as the one who knowledge of St. Ignatius' story. It is a wonderfully integration of Scripture, biography, and the exercises.

[Adam Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short Review: I am reading this for a class I am taking. I will come back later and write up something after the class is over.

[Vy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read. Good overview of Ignatian Spirituality.

[Larina Warnock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made me rethink.religion, spirituality, and the connection to daily life.

[Linda Padgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small book full of great content.

[Annabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Succinct and helpful in reminding of the core Ignatian values and practices.

[Nate Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly relatable and easy read for Catholics and Protestants alike. Not exhaustive but a great way to dip your toe in the waters of Ignatian Spirituality.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful intro to Ignatian spirituality. Focuses on the purposes and motives of the exercises with some historical moments in Ignatians life that developed his hunger for intimacy with Jesus.

[Laura Blackstock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very straightforward summary. Quick read.

[Cynthia Wheelehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be returning often to this little gem in the future

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for work, and it was informative and brief. It gives a flavor of the Ingatian spirituality and who St. Ignatius is. It's not my preferred genre, but it was a worthwhile read.

[Manuel Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read on 06/09/2017. Originally read in 2014. This is a very practical work about engaging spiritually with one's faith. St. Ignatius of Loyola has much to share and Father David L. Fleming, himself a Jesuit, does a wonderful job of breaking down the elements of Ignatius's Spiritual Retreat in a way to make practical the practices in everyday life. Intimacy with Jesus is the central grace of the Spiritual Exercises. This is not pie in the sky stuff, this is everyday life stuff, where the rubber meets the road. How do I response to the call of Christ in my life, at my job, with my family, in the public arena....Great reflections and homework is found here.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful overview of Ignatius' emphasis, which should be read before delving into his "Spiritual Exercises". It was extremely helpful in understanding the Society of Jesus (SJ) and what inspires their lives. Also, it is a good introduction to some of those wonderful spiritual disciplines that we are becoming more familiar with, such as the Prayer of Examen and Imaginative Prayer. It unpacks the main intent behind Imaginative Prayer. These are spiritual exercises developed and promoted by Ignatius for cultivating a Christ-like heart.

[Rod White · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very nice little book that sums up Christian discipleship. Ignatian spirituality is very practical and this book makes it seem very common. I recommend this for cell leaders who could use some clarity on how to help people be closer to God and who need some good reasons to keep going in service to the King. read it online for free! http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/i...

[Calvin Nixon II · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fr. Fleming, S.J., does an extraordinary job underlining the chief aspects of Ignatian spirituality. It was not long-winded, unlike other sources I've looked at. The theme is clear, concise, and vividly meaningful in each and every chapter. I am pleased, for a book as short as this one, it was not too watered down or basic. I appreciated Fr. Fleming's deep inward reflection; it definitely met me where I am.

[Leroy Seat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful little book even for those of us who are not Jesuits or even Catholics. It explains a lot about Ignatian spirituality that should be of help to any serious Christian.

[Michael Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little book providing a collage of almost journal-entry-like thoughts on the make topics of Ignatian spirituality. Not a bad afternoon's read but to me, nothing special.

[Patti Clement · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fr. Fleming does an outstanding job explaining Ignatian Spirituality and what it truly means to be a contemplative in action. Well worth the read and highly recommended.

[Doodles McC · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book to get into Ignatius Spirituality or as study for Catholic diploma in Theology. Concise and easy to read. Worth reading