Based on the time-tested spiritual exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the 16th-century founder of the Jesuits who developed a systemic way of considering and making choices, this revised edition helps those who want to make fruitful choices and manage decisions with faithfulness to God.

This is not a book for the 'book-taster.' Those who are, however, really committed to relating their theology of justice to concrete sociopolitical options will be thankful for it. As clear, insightful, and biblically faithful a piece of writing on hermeneutics as I have recently seen." Alfred Krass, author of Evangelizing Neo-Pagan North America North American Christians can benefit from Libanio's approach to discernment and politics. Particularly helpful are the sections that analyze our current situation. I, too, believe that religious acts carry a political meaning, and their meaning is perverted if they publicize or confirm instances of injustice or exploitation.' The religious witness must be critical of the dominant ideology, which is described as 'economic transcendence' glorifying those already rich while oppressing the poor majority. Religious groups who enter the discernment Libanio suggests will risk the pain of conversion and the resistance of those satisfied with the status quo." Carol Coston, OP, Executive Director, Network

"Ignatius's First Rules assist directors and their directees in discernments involving spiritual consolation and spiritual desolation. These fourteen rules provide invaluable aid at such times. Forty years of writing about, teaching, and applying these rules have shown me that Ignatius's First Rules are uniquely helpful when people struggle with spiritual desolation. These rules clarify the enemy's tactic and point the way to freedom. Our focus in this book, however, is Ignatius's Second Rules. In these eight rules, Ignatius addresses a more complex discernment. When a person has matured in the spiritual life, a time may come when the enemy changes tactics. Now he seeks less to discourage through spiritual desolation and begins, rather, to imitate the good spirit. He brings consolation with good, even holy thoughts-but directed toward a thing that God does not desire for this person. The enemy, Ignatius says, tempts this dedicated person under the appearance of good. If the temptation is not discerned, it will lead ultimately to harm for this person and for the others, usually many, whose lives this person touches. In his Second Rules, Ignatius provides a key to resolve such discernments"--

The author describes the nature of Christian spiritual discernment, drawing on the teachings of the Spanish saints and mystics: Ignatius of Loyola, John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila. He then applies their insights in a series of brief chapters on the major temptations in the two principal areas of our Christian life: ministry and prayer. In wise and practical terms, he discusses activism, entrenchment, pastoral envy, discouragement in prayer, misuse of prayer methods, and many similar problems, showing us throughout how to distinguish good spirits from evil. He closes with a short reflection on the connection between Christian self-renunciation and our natural desire for happiness. For both individuals and groups, this book offers indispensible guidance for a review of life and authentic spiritual discernment.