Five models of spiritual direction in the early church
By: George E. Demacopoulos
Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press
Published: 2007
Place of publication: Notre Dame, Ind
Language: eng
Number of pages: 274
ISBN-13: 9780268025908
Subjects: Spiritual direction; Asceticism -- History -- Early church, ca. 30-600; Pastoral theology
Description: Five Models of Spiritual Direction in the Early Church explores the struggles of five clerics (Athanasius, Gregory Nazianzen, Augustine of Hippo, John Cassian, and Pope Gregory I) to reconcile their ascetic idealism with the reality of pastoral responsibility. Through a close reading of Greek and Latin texts, George E. Demacopoulos explores each pastor's criteria for ordination, supervision of subordinate clergy, and methods of spiritual direction. He argues that the evolution in spiritual direction that occurred during this period reflected and informed broader developments in religious practices.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 233-253) and index
Table of contents: title: Athanasius of Alexandria and ambivalence regarding spiritual direction; title: Gregory Nazianzen's struggle for synthesis; title: Augustine of Hippo and resistance to the ascetic model of spiritual direction; title: John Cassian and the spiritual direction of the ascetic community; title: Pope Gregory I and the asceticizing of spiritual direction