The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything

This is not a book for Jesuits. Narrated by the author, James Martin, the Jesuit Guide is a helping of Jesuit thought made from the most basic ingredients and served up in portions suitable for anyone from Catholics to nonbelievers who are seeking a better life. Martin's narration is plain and unadorned, simple and clear. His extensive use of stories from his own life helps to interpret the theology and spirituality of Ignatius of Loyola, especially the life of prayer, in such a way that it can be easily embraced by anyone. S.K.G. 2012 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine

March 1, 2010
Ignatius of Loyola's "way of proceeding" as lived by the Jesuits, the community of men he started in 1540, forms the basis of this spiritual handbook. Author Martin, a Jesuit for 20 years, claims anyone can benefit from the methods Jesuits employ in conducting their lives. This includes not only believers in God, but those who eschew religion, reject God, explore the spiritual terrain, or are just plain confused. After all, Martin writes, the Ignatian way is about "finding freedom," and the Jesuit founder wanted it to be available to everyone, not only members of his community. Martin provides a brief history of Ignatius and the Jesuits, followed by a how-to that covers prayer in its various forms; the Jesuit vows of chastity, poverty and obedience; friendship and love; discernment; and finding a life path. Readers familiar with the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius-an ordered set of spiritual themes and practices-and other facets of Jesuit life will find this rather elementary, but Martin has done a creditable job of making the Ignatian way relevant to a contemporary audience.