The Soul of Discernment: A Spiritual Practice for Communities and Institutions by Elizabeth Liebert, S.N.J.M. (review)

Dr. Elizabeth Liebert, recently retired Professor of Spiritual Life at San Francisco Theological Seminary, has gifted readers with a second book on the topic of spiritual discernment. Her first book, The Way of Discernment: Spiritual Practices for Decision Making, provided an introduction to discernment as a Christian spiritual practice with a focus on the individual journey. This second book explores the critical question of discernment in communal settings comprised of complex social systems. In our time, local churches and religious organizations are fractured by painful divisions over theological, political, social, and economic issues, and thoughtful practices for corporate decision-making are desperately needed. Many communities are poorly equipped to put into place straightforward methods for discernment that are rooted in robust theologies and prayerful reflection. Liebert’s work offers a welcome way forward.

In the first part of the book, the author offers a kind of practical theological discussion by bringing theological convictions into conversation with an analysis of social systems. She suggests that corporate discernment in the Christian tradition explores questions about how God is leading people to act in the present moment, either individually or together in community (2). In order to address these questions, Liebert draws upon the Social Discernment Cycle, a process first developed by John Mostyn and Elinor Shea from the Center of Spirtuality and Justice in the Bronx and shaped over many years at San Francisco Theological Seminary (5). The cycle has roots in social analysis, theological reflection, and pastoral planning. Contemplative prayer and social justice are core concerns that influence the reflective questions explored throughout the process. Liebert’s cycle appears to share similarities with other resources, such as methods of practical theology articulated by Don Browning and Richard Osmer, among others, that bring into conversation empirical descriptions, social theories, theological reflection, and strategic practices.

From the beginning, Liebert is careful to define corporate discernment from a Christian perspective involving the initiative and generosity of the Holy Spirit. Discernment also requires the development of skills for identifying how God is active in and around the community. The author highlights the important notion that discernment is not only for the select few, but is available in some measure to all who ask God for guidance (19). Much could be said about the practices of various Christian traditions including Quakers, Methodists, and the wisdom of leaders such as Benedict of Nursia, Ignatius of Loyola, and Jonathon Edwards, though Liebert addresses these movements and religious leaders only briefly in this volume. Ultimately Liebert offers a convincing vision for discernment as a gathering of God’s children seeking a unity of mind and heart around a common purpose that allows for the freedom to put God first.

Keeping varied Christian traditions in mind, the author wisely seeks to develop a practical process that is both specific and flexible for various contexts. This vision must exist within the difficult realities of complex human social life. Discernment in community must deal with systems and with the kinds of “powers” described by Walter Wink (36). One of the important contributions of Liebert’s work to the literature on communal discernment is her discussion of the need for social transformation. It is rare to find a vigorous social critique accompanied by contemplative prayer for the purpose of discerning God’s guidance. The author is also wise to note important personal qualities for those participating in effective discernment including silence, self-knowledge, knowledge of the group, self-revelation and vulnerability, communication skills for contemplative listening, the ability to solve conflicts, and the willingness to honor a group covenant (41). The end goal of the Social Discernment Cycle is to bring change in the system so that the community can move toward God’s calling.

The second part of the book brings to life a description of the cycle. Liebert recommends a two-step process for groups...