Spiritual Direction: A Beginner’s Guide by Richard G. Malloy, SJ (review)

Richard G. Malloy’s Spiritual Direction: A Beginners Guide is a valuable introduction to the art and practice of spiritual direction. The reader benefits from Malloy’s extensive pastoral experience as a Jesuit priest, his ministry at the University of Scranton and St. Joseph’s University, and his breadth of knowledge in multiple spiritual traditions. This lively text is both a history and how-to of spiritual accompaniment.

Malloy divides his book into nine chapters. The first two chapters address foundational questions around the meaning of the spiritual life and spiritual direction. He describes spiritual direction as a process that helps individuals realize who they really are and to respond in freedom; it is a practice that helps people notice, relish, and choose realities that help fashion them into the men and women they are truly meant to be. The spiritual director is a witness to the real spiritual director, who is God, while directees are invited to “become their deepest, truest selves” through this practice. The remaining chapters build on these insights with a focus on various facets of the spiritual direction process, including, for example, the practice of eight-day retreats, discernment, and social justice activism. The last chapter is dedicated to how spiritual direction can invite individuals to “challenge, transform, and re-create our world” by paying attention to injustice and discerning calls to action.

Throughout the book, Malloy weaves together accessible resources from across the Christian tradition, both humorous and moving anecdotes from his own experience, and touching stories from other ministers and companions that he has met along the way. He refers to movies, novels, and poetry alongside venerable ancient and contemporary spiritual guides. Indeed, he models the Jesuit tenet to find “God in all things” by bringing the reader into a sustained conversation between faith, culture, and lived experience. One encounters Bill Maher, Judge Judy, David Letterman, and the Kardashians along with Thomas Merton, Daniel Berrigan, Ilia Delio, and Mother Teresa. Malloy also integrates insights from other religious traditions. Malloy thereby ably models for the reader how she might find like connections in her own life.

This book will prove to be a valuable resource in many different contexts. As the title of the book relates, it would be of great use both for those in spiritual director training and those starting out as a directee. Yet even seasoned directors and directees will find helpful material here. Pastoral ministers in other areas would also find the book useful, including, for example, those who strive to help others see the connections between spirituality and justice and those who work with emerging adults in post-graduate volunteer programs. The book would be a valuable resource in introductory courses in Christian traditions or Christian spiritualities. Ultimately, Malloy shares valuable insights on how to accompany young adults by meeting them where they are and taking seriously their capacity for personal and societal transformation.