My first impression of JOURNEY INTO WHOLENESS by Bob Searle: This is a compilation of ideas from other individuals to validate a personal opinion. My conclusion after reading this: Let me tell you about the book first.
In his introduction the first sentence reads as follows: “Recognizing, understanding, and responding to spiritual movements within one’s life can cause disappointment, discouragement and despair.” I ‘think’ would he means is: Life sucks sometimes and the sooner we realize that the better we will be able to cope. That first sentence accurately, in my opinion, reveals the tone of this entire 34 page booklet (I received a PDF copy).
If that sentence does not motivate you to want to read this book then try the chapter titles: “The Classical Way of Faith”, “Desolation and Consolation”, “Dark Night of Sense and Spirit”, “Depression”, “Spiritual Direction” and “Conclusion.” The booklet, which actually ends on page 27, also contains 2 appendixes and a bibliography.
I am sure the author shared the purpose of his writings but it got lost in my mind somewhere between Chapter 4 where he sited the ideology of Stanley W Jackson and Chapter 5. On page 21 of chapter 5 he advises pastors/ chaplains the following: “While a working knowledge of depression can help the pastor/ chaplain, he/she needs to reclaim his/her “art of arts” of spiritual direction practiced throughout the centuries.”
Perhaps if you are a free spirited, ideological intellectual you might love this book. If you love Bible based teachings on life, you will definitely hate it.
Many words of this 21 page booklet are dedicated to the thoughts of other individuals. Which lead me to conclude: If you suffer from depression, do not read this book.
Note: According to Amazon this book is 46 pages, it is not. Unless you count the cover pages, the blank pages, the table of contents and such.
Written by Marsha L F Randolph
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have done so. #OutskirtsPress
No comments:
Post a Comment