Soulful Spirituality: Becoming Fully Alive and Deeply Human

by David G. Benner

Publisher:

Brazos

, 2011

Overview

Spirituality has an indispensable role to play in the expression of our humanity. However, spiritual practices can sometimes make us less, not more, authentically human. We may be good Christians, but we aren’t good human beings. How can we ensure that our spiritual journey is conducted in a way that allows us to become fully alive and deeply human? David Benner has spent 35 years integrating psychology and spirituality. Here he presents an expansive, psychologically informed understanding of spirituality, probing the contrasts between soulful and soulless spirituality, deep and shallow religion, and healthy and unhealthy relationships with God to affirm the vital role of human development in the spiritual journey. Benner then suggests soulful practices for cultivating the Christian spiritual life. This book will appeal to readers seeking depth and substance in their quest for authentic spirituality. It will also be a helpful resource for mental health professionals and spiritual directors. Reflection questions and exercises for individual or group use are included at the end of each chapter.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Since ancient times, religion has been one of the ways humans have attempted to befriend the unknown” (Page 113)

“being a good Christian does not necessarily make one a good human being” (Page 7)

“Thomas Moore, ‘Part of the pain of love is that no person, however suitable and satisfying, completes the desire for love. There is always a remainder because love takes us beyond the human sphere. It puts you in touch with the ultimate object of desire.’” (Page 88)

“ we are more likely to avoid fragmentation under stress and our lives will possess passion and vitality” (Page 21)

“Paul Ricoeur describes three stages in the Western understanding of the relationship between the two” (Page 88)

Product Details

• Title: Soulful Spirituality: Becoming Fully Alive and Deeply Human
• Author: David G. Benner
• Publisher: Brazos
• Print Publication Date: 2011
• Logos Release Date: 2017
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Spirituality; Spiritual life › Christianity
• ISBNs: 9781441227294, 9781587432972, 1441227296, 1587432978
• Resource ID: LLS:SLFLSPRTLTY
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T03:02:12Z

About David G. Benner

David G. Benner (Ph.D., York University) is Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Spirituality at Richmont Graduate University in Atlanta, Georgia. He has also served as an associate fellow at the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society at University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. He is the founding executive editor of the journal Conversations. A psychologist, spiritual guide and retreat leader, Benner has written and edited many books, including Sacred Companions and the trilogy Surrender to Love, The Gift of Being Yourself and Desiring God's Will. He can be found online at drdavidgbenner.ca.