Literature Analysis Essay on Candlelight: Illuminating the Art of Spiritual Direction

Introduction

Candlelight: Illuminating the Art of Spiritual Direction is an exciting read that was authored by Susan S. Philips. The book belongs to the Christian literature genre. It is a great book for people who are trying to find a compass when it comes to their spirituality. The book has been expertly arranged in three parts namely: beginning, journey, and fruition. The three sections have different topics which the author has used to guide her readers in finding the proper spiritual direction. The book contains nine captivating and readable stories that make it an exciting read. Some excerpts of the book like whether Jim's health is going to hold and whether Charles will find a mate have been beautifully done. The paper explores the contexts of the author's stories, reviews what is typically considered, as usual, the definitions of spiritual direction, and God in action.

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The author has presented different stories that are short but educative. The stories submitted by the author give insight into various issues like decision-making, death, Sabbath, theodicy, evil, and suffering. The middle voice, the prayer of examen, and the negative capability of Keats have been used to illustrate. The author has used nine people to show how entry to spiritual direction and relationship is possible. The differences between pastoral counseling and spiritual direction have also been highlighted in the book. She explains how getting spiritual direction helps an individual in growing spiritually with God.

The book also gives an insight into what is rarely seen. Different people have different spiritual journeys. It is thus difficult to compare the different spiritual journey of different individuals. The book is a good read because it is directing individuals on how to go about with their spirituality. The spiritual direction that I am used to is entirely different though I find this one particularly interesting. The book thus acts as an excellent guide for individuals who are looking for spiritual direction.

The book is not only about theology alone. The author is no doubt talented as a writer. She has used words in the book correctly to tell her story. From the book, it is evident that the author has a great spiritual journey. She explains her own internal experiences and the responses that she gives are interesting. She defines spiritual directions as applied by individuals who are humorous, faithful, mature, and erudite.

The author through her writing shows that God is ever in action. Many people find it difficult in maintaining their faith in God especially when unfortunate things happen either to them or their loved ones. This is a great book that shows God in action through various concrete terms. The author has fascinating ways of Human experiences like suffering; transcendent goodness, beauty, and purpose have been highlighted in the book.

The overall author goal has been achieved since the readers are quickly drawn into action by reading the book. The nine steps introduce the readers on how to craft their spiritual lives. The choice of words is perfect which makes the book enjoyable to read. The major weakness of the book is that the author heavily depends on her approach to spiritual life. Some readers might not find this approach to be appealing. This is a great book to read especially for individuals who are taking theology and those who want to chart their spiritual direction.

Suffering and Love

Encountering suffering and love is one of the topics that the author has highlighted. In this section, the author talks about how suffering and love can shape the spiritual direction of individuals. My expectations have been met by reading this part of the book since it extensively talks about walking with God and how to get rooted in the word of God. It answers the critical question of why Christians undergo suffering and why God allows pain to take place. Suffering and injustices that the world goes through are probably one of the significant obstacles that make it difficult for people to seek God. The author has correctly explained the theme of theodicy.

My spiritual direction has been shaped since in this section the author explains the Christina suffering. I realized that suffering is primary to the Christian faith which encourages me to keep on pressing as a Christian. The story of Jesus who was God is also highlighted in the book. Despite Jesus being God, he had to undergo suffering. I have been struggling with spiritual direction because of the pain and challenges that have been coming my way. I have learned from the book on how to maintain faith in God in the midst of difficulties. I have also comprehended theodicy by reading the book since it highlights instances whereby there has been divine provision even after the existence of evil.

My faith in God has been affirmed following the excerpts in this book. I understand why Christians undergo sufferings and why injustice is prevalent in this world. This has helped in charting my spiritual direction which was pointless.

Fruition

Fruition is another interesting topic that I have learned by reading the book. I have established that it is difficult to correct tell what fruition is in the spiritual direction. Fruition is never finality as it assumes different expressions and forms. When it comes to attaining maturity in the spiritual direction fruition is often regarded as the final stage. I have also understood that God is not a respecter of the developmental expectations and time. I have also learned about grace which at times shines in our present and past to show us how great God has been.

I have received an insight into how our lives with God unfold when we decide to walk with him. The term journey has been symbolically used in the book to show the struggles and difficulties that we will have to go through. I can relate with the fact that fruition is dynamic when we talk about our spiritual life. Fruition is critical and is expected when we decide to embark on a spiritual journey with our maker. I am expected as Christian to bear fruit, and this can only be possible if I get the right tangent of my spiritual direction.

I have found this topic to be interesting as it has enhanced my understanding of the spiritual direction. Since fruition is not finality, I have learned to put everything in practice so that I continually grow in my spiritual journey with my creator. I have also experienced fruition in the brethren who share the same faith. It has helped me to extend love to everyone thanks to the enablement of the Holy Spirit.

Works Cited

Phillips, Susan S. Candlelight: Illuminating the Art of Spiritual Direction. Harrisburg, PA: Morehouse Pub, 2008. Print.