Ignatian Spirituality A to Z by Jim Manney

Ignatian Spirituality A to Z

by Jim Manney

What is discernment? Who was Peter Faber? Why do the Jesuits exude such optimism?

Awareness. Emotions. Love. Work. We use such words every day in normal conversation, but those same words take on special meaning when used in the context of Ignatian spirituality. Other words and phrases, such as finding God in all things, are distinctly associated with the Ignatian approach to spiritual development. Acquiring a general grasp of these terms will prove invaluable to those who desire a better understanding of the Jesuit / Ignatian way of life.

With Ignatian Spirituality A to Z, Jim Manney has provided a brief, informative, and entertaining guide to key concepts of Ignatian spirituality and essential characters and events in Jesuit history. The lexicon format allows readers to find terms quickly, and the concise descriptions are ideal for those new to the Ignatian story.

From Pedro Arrupe to Francis Xavier, from Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam to Zeal, this book uncovers the rich language of the Jesuits. It will be an indispensable tool to anyone interested in Ignatian spirituality, to staff, faculty, and students at Jesuit institutions and schools, and to clergy and spiritual directors who advise others about prayer and spiritual matters.

My Review:

The book ‘Ignatian Spirituality A to Z’ by Jim Manney, really delivers as advertised.

It was a fun read for me, as I studied philosophy and (some of my) theology at the Jesuit-run Saint George’s Seminary in Frankfurt, Germany. It not only had me revisit well-known and comfortable practices such as the examination of conscience (Examen) and the Spiritual Exercises (Exerzitien), but also deepened my knowledge and familiarity of Jesuit Saints and other more obscure Principles.

This book could definitely be used as a glossary or reference book only, but I believe the author intended for the book to be read from A-Z. The writing is very easy to follow and the author does a great job of explaining these fundamentally important tenets of Ignatian spirituality. Jim Manney covers everything from AMDG (ad majorem Dei gloriam), gratitude, the fourth vow, “praying as if everything depends on you”, and doesn’t shy away from mentioning the conspiracy theories that (still) surround the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

All in all, a good and (at times) lighthearted approach to Ignatian spirituality that will appeal to lots of people. If you’ve been wondering about the Society of Jesus, this would be a great first contact. If the reader feels a ‘calling’ to the spiritual Exercises or the Jesuits as an Order, I recommend you to get into contact with a Jesuit priest.

Happy Reading and God bless!