Conservative Evangelicals sometimes assume that spiritual direction is a Catholic thing. I appreciate this paragraph from David Benner’s Sacred Companions that illustrates otherwise:
“The Protestant Reformers were all active in providing spiritual direction to others. Marlin Luther did most of this by means of correspondence, much like the apostle Paul fourteen centuries earlier. Ulrich Zwingli, while recommending confession of sins to God alone, urged Christians to consult other wise and mature Christians for assistance on the spiritual journey. And John Calvin, while stressing that the individual Christian’s subservience should be to God alone, offered spiritual direction and proclaimed its merits.” (David G. Benner. Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship and Direction. Downer’s Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2002, pp. 89-90.)
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Alan, I am reading this book too. I really like his description of spiritual direction. I believe the leadership institute is doing a fine job in restoring the practice of spiritual direction. as protestants, we need this discipline. Blessings,
Virgil
Morning, Virgil. God’s grace be with you as God’s Spirit guides your steps. Thanks for the encouragement.
Reblogged this on Alan Fadling: Notes from my Unhurried Journey.