The essays published in this collection draw on various developed ‘schools’: Freudian, Jungian, Eriksonian, Object-Relations, Psychosynthesis, Psychodrama. There could be no question, even in a much larger collection than this one, of dealing adequately with the whole range of psychological resources that might be brought to bear on Ignatian spirituality. Nor could there be any question of providing a grand theory of how ‘psychology’ and ‘spirituality’ interrelate. We can learn from claims that psychology somehow better articulates what a spiritual text is trying to say; we can also learn from claims that the Exercises, and Christian spirituality in general, provide important resources calling into question the worldview implicit in various psychological practices. This collection contains fine examples of both these kinds of writing, essays which we can enjoy and learn from in their diversity long before we settle the questions of how both kinds of writing are possible, or whether one is somehow more legitimate and proper than the other. A similar set of points can be made another central question. Do spiritual and psychological language amount ot two ways of referring to the same reality?
Ruth Holgate, ‘Growing into God’, 7–18
An introduction to the theme of this issue. The Spiritual Exercises promote a process of growth that can be described both in the traditional language of spirituality and in the technical language of psychoanalysis.
Brendan Callaghan, ‘Do Teddy Bears Make Good Spiritual Directors? Ignatius Loyola Meets Donald Winnicott’, 19–32
Brendan Callaghan, drawing on Object-Relations theory, explores how the Ignatian Exercises help us shape and reshape our images of God.
William W. Meissner, ‘The Ignatian Paradox’, 33–46
'Pray as though everything depended on God, and work as though everything depended on you.' The author of two notable studies of Ignatius' psychology explores the interactions of divine action and human transformation in Ignatian spirituality.
Brigitte-Violaine Aufauvre, ‘Depression and Spiritual Desolation’, 47–56
Pastoral ministers are frequently confronted with both clinical depression and spiritual desolation. With the help of three case-studies, Brigitte-Violaine Aufauvre argues that the two realities are quite different, and that they thus call for correspondingly different responses.
William A Barry, ‘Transference, Resistance and the Drama of the Exercises’, 57–68
An experienced psychologist, spiritual director and writer looks at how the relationship of spiritual direction can both foster and impede people's growth towards God.
Howard J. Gray, ‘Psychology, Narrative and Ministerial Formation’, 69–80
Vocation and formation, whether for lay or ordained ministry, can only build on people's life-histories and on the relationships that have shaped them. It is in this context that we should understand the role of psychological assessment for candidates.
Peter Egenolf, ‘Vocation and Motivation: The Theories of Luigi Rulla’, 81–93
Luigi Rulla's research on the unconscious dynamics of vocation has been widely influential on Roman Catholic ministry formation programmes. Peter Egenolf offers a lucid summary of Rulla's project, as well as some judicious comments on its weaknesses.
Andrew Walker, ‘Daydreaming Revisited: A Psychology for the Examen Explored’, 95–105
Psychosynthesis, an approach to human development elaborated by Roberto Assagioli, reveals new riches in the Ignatian Examen.
Elizabeth Liebert, ‘The Limits of Adaptability: The Eighteenth Annotation in Developmental Perspective’, 107–123
Modern developmental psychology leads us to look with new eyes at Ignatius' eighteenth Annotation. Ignatius' distinction between simple people and those ripe for the full Exercises can still make sense, even if our own culture is far less tolerant of elitism than his was.
Kenneth L. Becker, ‘Beyond Survival: The Two Standards and the Way of Love’, 125–136
Even though Christians might want to read Jung only selectively, he has important things to say about spiritual growth. In particular, Ignatius' stark teaching on poverty and insults in the spiritual life converges powerfully with what Jung says about moving beyond survival needs in order to become a loving person.
Charles M. Shelton, ‘Graced Gratitude’, 138–150
'Awareness of and gratitude for the benefits and gifts received--how much it is to be loved and esteemed!' said Ignatius in a letter. Charles Shelton, drawing on a survey he conducted, explores the psychology and spirituality of gratitude.
Eckhard Frick, ‘Psychodrama and the Spiritual Exercises’, 151–160
Eckhard Frick shows how the acting out of biblical scenes, following methods developed by Jakob Levy Moreno, can enrich the Ignatian Exercises.