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Macky Alston reviews the film:

The Perennial Philosophy

Some would say that though the liturgy changes, the language differs, and the emphasis varies, at their core, the world's great religions are strikingly similar. It is these similarities that are examined in The Perennial Philosophy, a term coined by Aldous Huxley to describe the common ground of the great world religious traditions. Chaplains may find the film useful when ministering to those individuals who view their religions through a narrow lens, disregarding the commonalities so vital to a multifaith society.

In this thought-provoking film produced in the mid-80s, writer and director Elda Hartley takes the viewer on a global spiritual journey woven together with words from sacred texts and renowned spiritual teachers who articulate with poetry and power the commonalities between Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Taoism.

Completed: 1985
Running Time: 30 Minutes
Producer: Elda Hartley

If you are interested in purchasing this film, it is available at www.hartleyfoundation.org. Just click on “Hartley Classics” on the homepage for more information. The cost is $19.95/VHS.

Book Review

The Rev. Charles J. Lopez, Jr. reviews:

Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction

Alan Jones, Rector at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, writes in the preface, that “all along we’ve had a spiritual life and we didn’t know it.” Margaret Guenther, says Jones, recognizes “God’s amazing work in us and among us in the ordinariness of human existence.”

Spiritual direction, writes Guenther, is about “holy listening,” waiting, attentiveness and presence. Her perspective is as a woman, a mother, a teacher and an Episcopalian priest. Hospitality or welcoming the stranger is at the core of spiritual direction when getting started with a directee. She emphasizes that the true director is the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, she underscores the notion that spiritual direction is neither psychotherapy nor is it pastoral counseling nor is it a deep personal friendship, but frequently, it shares some of the raw material found in each.

One major difference between spiritual direction and psychotherapy is that “the director must be willing to be known”… “but known in her vulnerability and limitations as a child of God.”

The spiritual director is simultaneously a learner and a teacher of discernment. The first step in discernment is perception and the second is judgment with a heavy emphasis on the “value of the present moment.” In short, the director must be capable of discernment as well as being fully present with the directee.

The imagery of midwifery and the increasing role of women as spiritual directors and participants in spiritual direction is enlightening and insightful. Women finding and trusting their voice is important in this ministry.

Guenther’s book is useful by reinforcing the role of spiritual director as listener, teacher, and midwife. The example of silently saying the Jesus Prayer - “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner,” is important when there are times of silence with the directee. Self-awareness is part of the foundation for the spiritual director. Keeping a personal journal, having one’s own spiritual director, and making a retreat will help keep the director sharp.

Guenther uses gender appropriate images of midwifery. As a male, I sense no challenge from Guenther. Midwifery draws me out of my comfort zone to experience a new image for the process of spiritual direction. As one becomes involved in spiritual direction, the director is able to encourage the directee to move ahead by giving birth to something that is new and not yet known. Although, every person living on this earth has had a birthing, the only possible exception might be with those who have been cloned, Guenther provides an earthy description of moving forward and trusting the Spirit. The image of midwifery is interesting because even in the birth of the world God brought order out of chaos. She provides voice for struggling women and also men. The epilogue reminds us that even Eli encouraged Samuel to say, “speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3: 1ff)

Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction. Margaret Guenther, (Cambridge, Massachusetts: Cowley Publications, 1992) 1-56101-056-1,146 pp.

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