Mansions of the Heart: Exploring the Seven Stages of Spiritual Growth

by R. Thomas Ashbrook

A practical program for developing a deeper, more authentic relationship with God

Written for anyone who wants to develop a deeper more meaningful relationship with God, Mansions of the Heart offers a step-by-step guide through a spiritual formation road map based on Teresa of Avila's Seven Mansions. The book includes a Mapping Tool that will help you discern your place on your spiritual journey and offers church leaders a process for helping church members to grow into spiritual maturity.


Contains a spiritual program based on the writings of Teresa of Avila, one of Christianity's most profound and beloved mystical teachers Offers a complete, step-by-step program for spiritual growth Includes information for leading others in their spiritual journeys Appropriate for all kinds of Christians

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Faith, Discipleship, Theology

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2009

Reviews

[Alex]

I think much of modern Christianity is built on flawed epistemology. It reduces "knowing God" to having information or data about God, instead of the transforming and relational way in which we are able to know God. Our faith is too often simplified to just knowing theology or doing the right thing, as important as those things are. Christianity is spiritual and our relationship with God is to be intimate. This book is the best primer I have seen to provide a roadmap for that type of relationship.

There is a timing element to when to read this book. I think if you read the preface and introduction, you can tell by how much it resonates you to whether you understand it's a good time for you to read the book. If not, it may be a matter of waiting to let God take you a little further in your spiritual walk before this book is the most helpful. I would encourage reading it someone else and creating a dialogue from it too.

I look forward to experiencing God and my faith in deeper ways from the changed perspective that this book provides.

[Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful guide for spiritual transformation, drawing from the wisdom of Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross. Sometimes while reading about the progressive stages of spiritual development it may seem daunting to consider how far there is yet to go. But as Teresa of Avila would instruct, as we progress from one “mansion” to the next, each level becomes progressively easier —in the sense that the Holy Spirit is doing increasingly more of the work—and yet also more rewarding because our desire and reward is God himself.
As Aslan says, “Farther up and further in!”

[Garland Vance · Rating 5 out of 5]

As part of my doctoral studies through Denver Seminary, I have read several books dealing with the Stages of Faith Development. Mansions of the Heart by Thomas Ashbrook was by far the best (which is impressive since I also gave The Critical Journey a 5 star rating).

Ashbrook takes the writing of Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross and systematizes them into a paradigm for faith development. In the first two chapters Ashbrook points us to the goal of spiritual formation as well as some of the mythical goals that we we often believe (or are taught) are the goal of spiritual formation (myths like holiness or wholeness). The goal, Ashbrook asserts, is an ever-growing love relationship with the Triune God.

Throughout the book, the reader follows the lives of Michael and Abigail, fictitious characters who model what spiritual development can look like over a lifetime. The fictitious characters are not idealized but engage in the highs and lows of being saints who wrestle with sin and spiritual warfare.

I believe that this is an indispensable resource for ministry leaders and would lay a firm foundation for ministries that help people grow spiritually over a lifetime. I implore anyone who is in pastoral care to read this book and make it part of an ongoing discussion with other ministry leaders.

[Sarah Pascual · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashbrook lays out the journey of the Christian life in a digestible and hopeful way, centered around Teresa of Avila’s seven mansions. It’s really helpful to look at where you’ve been and also dream toward what is to come with examples of people on the journey and plenty of metaphors to grow understanding.

[Shireen Eldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written book synthesizing material from Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross in a more modern language that gives direction to believers as we journey with Jesus in this life.

This was just the book my heart and soul needed. After walking with Jesus for 24yrs, I stepped into what I know can see is a Dark Night season. This book put so many words to my feelings and hearts longings and gave hope and direction for my continued journey with Jesus towards becoming like Him. Just wish I had learned this earlier in my walk. So thankful for this book.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a wonderful three months this summer reading this book alongside of various others that this author referenced. I had read them all previously, but having all of them at my side and delving into them once again as I was able to go back to the original words of Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross and various others. It was like a holy feast!

Ashbrook writes of meeting Brother Boniface at a Cisterian monastery in Huntsville, UT that I too had visited. Unfortunately, in recent years, it is no more since it was sold. But their book store had so many of the books I had collected over the years. This why Ashbook’s book was so real to me. He experienced the ”Depths of Jesus Christ” in life changing ways as he discovered from Brother Boniface the treasures of truth that magnificently changed his life. May we all keep reaching out to our God in hunger for more of Him.

[Garrett Saul · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those deconstructing, this book offers a reason why you might be. What has been offered in churches isn't enough. In fact, it's just the surface of what God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit has for us -- an intimate relationship of love with himself. Long neglected in Protestant circles, this book is about spiritual formation. If you want to go deeper in your walk with Jesus, this book is for you.

[Megan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book for the Velvet Ashes book group and quickly realized I needed much more time for this book in a less busy season so it has taken me months to finish it. I thought this was a cool way to look at the process of growing closer to God and I appreciated that Ashbrook seemed to do his best to make the concept readable for the modern audience. I am excited to continue to think about my own journey and go back to revisit some of the reflection questions.

[Kelly Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It is the kind of book that resonates when you read it and then stays with you, begging you to pull it back out and read it again.

Based largely on the writings of Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint John of the Cross, Mansions of the Heart describes a modernized framework of spiritual growth for Christian believers. It is, perhaps, the best book on spiritual formation I have ever read. Asher takes great care to point out that spiritual formation is not linear in nature, while still giving us a basic road map to use as a guideline. He emphasizes that we can be in more than one stage at the same time, and that we often move in and out of a given stage for a period of time. Most churches and books on spiritual growth direct us towards prayer and Bible Study, but with no clear path or picture of where/what our relationship with Christ is going. What often happens, in my experience, is we find ourselves stuck in that stage, vascillating between periods of silence from God and closeness with Him. When we are hearing Him clearly, we feel like we are growing, but in long periods of silence, we may question what we are doing wrong or if, perhaps, we’ve had it wrong all along. Most of the believers I know never make it any further than this, and live with ongoing frustration or worse, settle into an apathetic faith.

What I appreciate most about this book is that it gives a further path beyond just prayer and Bible study. It gives credibility to these periods of silence, termed “dark nights of the soul,” and encourages us to not only expect them, but even to appreciate them for their place in the process of drawing our hearts to Jesus. Asher points out the stages often coincide in many ways with our overall maturity and the life stages we find ourselves in. I definitely find this to be a true and logical correlation. I am both intrigued by and somehow hesitant to embrace the mysterious, mystical elements of the later stages he describes. As a culture, we do not like to embrace things we don’t understand and can’t explain… and yet, isn’t that exactly who God is and how He works? Having experienced personally a few spiritual encounters of this nature, and having read of significantly deeper encounters than mine by “spiritual greats” who were much purer in heart and faith than myself (Amy Carmichael, C.S. Lewis, Brother Lawrence, etc.), I am compelled to believe there is certainly a path forward beyond what many of us ever realize. Reading this book has encouraged me to continue pursuing communion with God at a deeper level than I was beginning to think was possible.

All that said, this book is not for everyone. If you are fairly new to the Christian faith (or to actively growing in your faith—ie., Stage 1 or Stage 2 of spiritual growth as described in the book), I am afraid you will find this book overwhelming and largely irrelevant. In my opinion, it is better suited for people who are further along in their faith journey and already practice spiritual disciplines fairly consistently. Additionally, if you have a strong negative opinion of any sort of mystic element to Christianity, you will likely find this book a waste of time.

[Laura R Bransky · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took a long time, only because it wasn't valuable to rush my way through. I really value this book. So much of what he wrote put words to the longings in my heart, clarity to my struggles, and guidance towards some next steps to deeper intimacy with my Lord. I don't see language or teachings like this in my circles...that's been a source of frustration. I'm glad to know I'm not alone my perceptions. I don't know a lot about spiritual formation, but it seems of benefit and worthy of exploration- the goal being Christ in me, the hope of glory. I'd recommend it to anyone longing for more, feeling that pull of the Spirit to draw nearer.

[Ingrid O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quotes:
“The garden of the soul, she says, can be watered in several manners. The first, drawing the water up from a well by use of a bucket, entails a great deal of human effort. The second way, cranking a water wheel and having the water run through an aqueduct, involves less exertion and yields more water. The third entails far less effort, for in it the water enters the garden as by an effluence from river or stream. The fourth and final way is the best of all: as by a gentle but abundant rainfall the Lord himself waters the garden and the soul does not work at all.”
― R. Thomas Ashbrook, Mansions of the Heart: Exploring the Seven Stages of Spiritual Growth

“Our defense against the devil, made possible by Jesus’ death and resurrection and the Holy Spirit’s presence in us, comes in three ways: 1. Preparation: In Ephesians 6:10f, the apostle Paul teaches us to grow in our faith similarly to a soldier putting on armor, so that we may stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Our defense is truth; a right relationship with God; the Gospel of peace, faith, and salvation; and our offensive weapon, the word of God. 2. Discernment: We are gifted by the Holy Spirit to “discern spirits” (1 Cor. 12:10). 3. Active resistance: James 4:7 says that if we resist the devil he will flee from us. Our ability to resist depends on our preparation and our discernment. Our resistance is not passive, but an active and intentional use of the “sword of the Spirit, the word of God.” Jesus modeled this, and the disciples followed suit, as they cast out demons by commanding them in the name of Jesus. We can do the same thing through the power of the same Holy Spirit.”
― R. Thomas Ashbrook, Mansions of the Heart: Exploring the Seven Stages of Spiritual Growth

“The enemy’s attacks also increase during prayer. Disguised as our own thoughts, the enemy sends many memories of past sins, shameful thoughts, and messages of condemnation, designed to make us feel unworthy to seek God or ask His help. A flood of distractions about things to do makes it even more difficult to focus on God in prayer. We seldom see these attacks as signs of spiritual growth (if we weren’t growing, the devil wouldn’t trouble himself), but instead as failures, to be fixed, denied, or hidden. If the enemy can thwart or even stop our conversation with God, spiritual growth may be stopped as well. The second mansion can truly feel like a “valley of the shadow” time in which we have not learned to hold up the shield of faith or wield the sword of the Spirit. For this reason, prayers of intercession by more mature believers are essential. We are not meant to stand in the battle alone, but as part of the Body of Christ.”
― R. Thomas Ashbrook, Mansions of the Heart: Exploring the Seven Stages of Spiritual Growth

This is a must-read for believers who may be struggling in their spiritual walk.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our church recently did a sermon series inspired by this book, so I of course needed to read the source material for myself! The book, based on the Seven Mansions described by Teresa of Avila (a sixteen century saint), offers a step-by-step guide to spiritual formation unlike any I’ve read before. Ashbrook (a Lutheran pastor and Spiritual Formation guide) begins by sharing his personal experience of longing for more from the Christian life, which led to his own spiritual transformation informed by the formation road map laid out by Teresa of Avila. Ashbrook debunks common misunderstandings regarding the end goal of spiritual formation (which is NOT holiness, good works, wholeness, or deeper understanding, but intimacy with God) and sheds light on the nature of our “first order calling” (a personal relationship of love with God) that is the foundation for our “second order calling” (following Jesus and all that entails).

Ashbrook recounts his own journey as well as those of two fictional believers whose experiences represent composites drawn from projections based on Teresa’s explanations. Through these three accounts he walks us through the seven mansions of spiritual formation: 1) New Beginnings, 2) Between a Rock and a Hard Place, 3) Following Jesus, 4) Discovering the Love of Jesus, 5) Longing for Oneness with God, 6) The Passion of God’s Love, and 7) A Life of Love in the Trinity. Within each mansion he outlines key activities and areas for growth that help readers understand where we are on our own spiritual journeys and what to expect as we move forward.

This is a dense read, but a fascinating and worthwhile one that gave me immense clarity regarding my own spiritual path. I loved the blending of spiritual traditions and the focus on the soul rather than apologetics or doctrine or potentially controversial issues that we Christian can hyper-focus on. Ashbrook brings clarity to a difficult concept, making spiritual formation feel relevant and enticing. This is not a self-help book, but a guide to understanding what God is doing in and through us as believers.

If you find yourself at a standstill in your faith, are frustrated with an apparent lack of spiritual maturity, or are unsure of either your destination or your specific route in your relationship with God, I HIGHLY recommend this book. It’s a powerful read for brand new believers, seasoned followers of Jesus, and everyone in between.

My Rating: 5 Stars // Book Format: Paperback

[Glen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was deeply moved by this book. The manner in which Ashbrook describes spiritual formation pushed me to consider new areas of growth in my own journey.

The Seven Stages correspond to Teresa of Avila's Castles of the Heart. Consequently, this is a modern application tool for the influential thinking of this medieval saint whose life impacted so many luminaries in Church History.

Ashbrook does reference his own spiritual odyssey, but he relies much more on the stories of two individuals whose lives demonstrated the various growth phases of a believer's intimacy with Christ. He is careful to not stray afar into mystical dimensions (e.g., dark night of the soul, the betrothal of Christ's bride, etc.). Consequently the reader in not left in a state of frustration. Furthermore, while giving the overarching picture of spiritual union with God, the writer does continually return to the practical dimensions that we need to experience this process. The roles of the Church, pastors, spiritual directors, retreats and other resources are woven into the narrative in a very helpful manner.

The footnotes are also very informative, providing further resources for readers to consult. In general, what Ashbrook wrote on in these pages addresses one of the most critical needs in the modern Church's spirituality. I walked away this book seeking greater intentionality in my own abiding with Christ. I owe a debt of gratitude for the way God that has spoken to me through these pages.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am still processing the information in this book. I'm giving Mansions of the Heart 4 stars because it articulates & expands the spiritual journey through the lens of St. Teresa's 7 phases of spiritual transformation very well. I don't feel qualified to review the book from a theological perspective. I agree with one reviewer who said the book is helpful to the degree that a person has moved from a basic grasp of spiritual formation. I think a new believer would find the concepts in the book overwhelming if not impossible to imagine. I will admit that I saw myself in the middle of the journey and the further I read the less appealing the book became. Whether this is due to the fact that I have so little experience beyond the 4th mansion or if I am just uncomfortable with relying so much on my own experience with God, I'm not certain. Much of the support for the concepts in the book comes from the experience of other saints & tradition. There is biblical support but I felt it became more interpretational in nature as the book progressed. However, I found the book insightful and I will continue to read further to gain a better understanding of this subject.

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I struggle to know how to reflect on this book. It is not often that a book will touch my heart so deeply and create such visceral reactions. Perhaps the author, himself, states it best in his conclusion:

The real point–maybe God's point–of reading this book is not to gain information but to encourage you along your personal journey through the mansions of your own heart into His heart of love. If you have read attentively, you found yourself strangely drawn to some words or stories, maybe even with tears. In other sections, you found yourself skimming. I'd suggest that the sections where your heart seemed to move toward God... point out places of your own yearning for growth–places of learning, struggle, longing, and God's whispered calling. pg. 253-254

It has certainly been the right book for the right season, and that, friends, is a gift of God.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Ashbrook's work will help any reader who is serious about spiritual growth and formation understand growth stage theory and is an excellent primer to Teres of Avila's Interior Castle, which I read in conjunction. Mansions of the Heart and the workbook that is a companion to the book are excellent tools for taking yourself, another, or a group through in pursuit of understanding the age-old question of so many Christian believers, "Is this all there is?" The answer, as Thomas Ashbrook explains, is a definitive, "No!" And this book will give you a glimpse at what more lies ahead on the Christian journey into knowing and loving God.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d definitely recommend the written book over the audiobook. If you can get through the first section which seems to be aimed at getting readers to see that Christians can learn and take good things from Catholics, then the rest of the book is fantastically helpful. If you are a good church-going serving Christian and want to know if that’s all to the Christian life, this book maps out a path to more depth with Christ. If you are discipling others, it gives a good roadmap of what to expect and our needs as we grow. In general, just super helpful all-around for those who want to understand and grow.

[Dick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anyone who works on his/her relationship with God will benefit from this book.

Why? Because we know how elusive it can be to "hear" God. For me, it comes and goes. Mostly feeling that close is a “it goes”.

I wish I could do a better job of focusing & connecting. The use of different mansions - or levels - helps to identify close, but "no cigar" mornings for me.

When the connection is good, it is incredible. Then again there are the “dark times”. I am very familiar with those times.

This is not an easy read.

But it is worth the effort.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would've been quite pleased if this book ended with your unique journey. Instead, it ends on what feels like a sour note as it chastises and criticizes the churches' lack of spiritual formation, but it's view of yhe church is not sweeping enough to make such broad accusations. Beyond that the book is an excellent read. It is a helpful resource in understanding how spiritual growth often happens and helps paint a picture of what is truly possible. We have taken far too lightly the commands such as be holy as I am holy, and take up your cross.

[Jeff Bradbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic! It is one of the best books on Christian spirituality I have read in the last couple of years. I am recommending it to many of my friends. It has a unique look at the stages of our spiritual growth and even looks at some of what I thought were bad as necessary for my growth. Just as we go through stages of physical development, like learning to walk or talk which we do through struggle, our spiritual life has ups and downs that are necessary. This book really transformed my thinking about my own spiritual growth and the growth of those I disciple and lead.

[Jake Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book!!

On a personal level, this book helped me understand why I felt "stuck" in my faith - or why I stopped hearing God a certain way (all part of the process as I was moving into the next 'mansion') but it also helped from a discipleship point of view. You are able to see where each person is at on their journey and better understand how to meet them in that space and help them move forward (to the next 'mansion') where they will have deeper intimacy with our Lord and fulfill the great commission (based on how they were created).

[Mark Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashbrook argues for a game-changing goal for spiritual formation, offers us a map so we can find ourselves in the journey and helps us see that the ultimate destination is much further and deeper than many of us have imagined. Let this book guide, challenge and encourage you toward intimate, loving and joyful fellowship with the Triune God!

[Ethan Gohl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really did find this book helpful. I wish we had more tools like this widely used within the church. Teresa's Interior Castle is an analogy that I think would prove helpful to most Christians. Like other books I've engaged with, I haven't really found a solution to my struggles within this book, but it gives me better vocabulary to communicate to other Christians where I'm at.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the bulk of the book and found much of it to be quite encouraging, but towards the end it seemed to be addressed more to church leaders, so I did not find that useful, and maybe even a little discouraging. In one of the last chapters, he gave a list of suggested books for further reading, which I felt would have been better to add to an appendix.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this with my small group. No one was impressed with it or found it particularly helpful in thinking about our growth in faith. Several people just stopped reading somewhere in the middle. Disappointing.

[Alycea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t ask me why it took so long 😂 overall it was really good and I will be recommending this to people. I thought the last two mansions were pretty ‘far out there’ but I don’t want to doubt what the Lord can do.

[Jürgen Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dringlich zu empfehlen für jeden, der Jesus nachfolgen will und ihm ähnlicher werden will

Ein „must read” für alle Pastoren und Gemeindeleiter, damit sie selbst und die Glieder ihrer Gemeinde einen neuen Hunger auf Gottes Liebe und das wachsen zu ihm hinbekommen; ihre Gemeinde darin führen können

[Brennen Schmitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d really like to get a workbook for this or do it in a group/discussion setting. The content is really good, but it just needs to be sat in and processed more throughly than I did on this go around.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and makes a lot of sense about the seven stages, I totally related to this book. I might end up buying this one.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a powerful book for me. Very impactful.